Glucocorticoids and multiple myeloma. Mechanism of action, resistance and clinical use
Paule, B.; Clerc, D.; Brion, N.
Annales de Medecine Interne 149(8): 502-507
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-410X PMID: 10021903 Document Number: 496796
The fundamental and clinical backgrounds for the use of glucocorticoids in multiple myeloma are reviewed. Glucocorticoids induce apoptosis and alter the cellular cycle of malignant cells, interacting with the effects of IL-6. The number of normal or variant glucocorticoid receptors expressed by the tumoral cells and the corticoresistant secretion by stromal cells of IL-6 and its soluble receptor are implicated in resistance to glucocorticoids. Given alone or in association with vincristin and adriamycin, glucocorticoids induce major cytoreduction in tumors and is best used in refractory and relapsing diseases.