Bone marrow changes following chemotherapy for multiple myeloma--a clinicopathological study of biopsy cases
Kurihara, K.; Hill, W.; Burkhardt, R.; Kettner, G.; Hashimoto, N.
Nihon Ketsueki Gakkai Zasshi Journal of Japan Haematological Society 50(4): 876-889
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5806 PMID: 3687331 Document Number: 296161
Based on the serial observations of 230 bone marrow biopsies from 89 patients with multiple myeloma, a clinico-pathological study was performed to evaluate the clinical significance of bone marrow changes following chemotherapy. The chemotherapy gave rise to various histologic changes including reduction of tumor mass and hemopoietic recovery, and appeared to delay the progression of the disease. However, presently used regimens were unable to eradicate tumor cells even in patients with clinically complete remission, or to control well the advanced disease. Moreover, prolonged chemotherapy seemed to cause an increased mitotic rate and cellular atypia of the tumor cells. Survivals were correlated with several clinical and histologic data obtained at the first biopsy, but not with histologic and/or clinical remission.