The skinny on obesity and plasma cell myeloma: A review of the literature

K. R. Carson, M. L. Bates, M. H. Tomasson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite tremendous advances in treatments for myeloma in the past decade, the disease remains incurable in the majority of patients. Here, we review recent data demonstrating an association between obesity and increased risk of myeloma development. This may be due to the pro-inflammatory cytokine profile caused by obesity. Currently, there are no screening or prevention strategies for myeloma, but we propose that obesity-associated inflammatory pathways, or obesity itself, may be amenable to intervention, thereby preventing the transition from pre-malignancy to myeloma. In addition, we suggest that the morbidity, mortality and the significant costs associated with myeloma treatment could be reduced by addressing modifiable risk factors, and that research efforts should explore this novel hypothesis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1009-1015
Number of pages7
JournalBone Marrow Transplantation
Volume49
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2014

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