Evaluation of TNF superfamily molecules in multiple myeloma patients: correlation with biological and clinical features.

B-cell activating factor (BAFF), a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) are members of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family. They are the main survival factors for immature, naive and activated B cells. We have analysed BAFF, APRIL and TRAIL serum concentrations in 52 patients with newly diagnosed IgG multiple myeloma and 20 healthy volunteers. The values were significantly higher in the studied patients and advanced diseases, decreasing after chemotherapy, compared to the control group. It was established that BAFF as APRIL (but not TRAIL) correlated with adverse prognostic factors such as IL-6 and lactate dehydrogenase. Furthermore, higher concentrations of APRIL and BAFF (but not TRAIL) predicted a shorter progression free survival, suggesting thereby an important prognostic marker and a possible therapeutic target in myeloma.