Multiple myeloma (MM) has been suggested to be associated with different neoplasms. Of 589 consecutive patients with MM, 59 (10%) had different neoplasms: solid tumors in 78% and hematological neoplasms in 22%. Different neoplasms were separated into those emerging prior or synchronously (p/s; n = 41) versus subsequently after the MM (n = 18). The rate of different neoplasms at the time of MM diagnosis was estimated as 6.6%, and estimated different neoplasm rates at 2, 5, and 10 years were 7.8%, 10.3%, and 11.6%, respectively. Patients with MM with p/s different neoplasms showed a hazard ratio (HR) for impaired overall survival of 1.2 (95% CI 0.8-2.0), whereas in those with subsequent neoplasms the HR was 2.5 (95% CI 1.4-4.4). This demonstrates that (1) p/s are more frequent compared with subsequent different neoplasms, and (2) the prognosis is more impaired with subsequent different neoplasms. Age ≥60 years was a confounding covariable with a HR of 2.021 (95% CI 1.6-2.6).

CD44s (standard form of CD44) is a transmembrane glycoprotein whose external domain displays extracellular matrix adhesion properties by binding both hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen. The cytoplasmic domain of CD44s interacts with the cytoskeleton by binding directly to ankyrin. It has been shown that post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation (by protein kinase C), acylation (by acyl-transferase) and GTP-binding enhanced CD44's interaction with cytoskeletal proteins. Most importantly, the interaction between CD44s and the cytoskeletal protein, ankyrin, is required for the modulation of CD44s cell surface expression and its adhesion function. Recently, a number of tumor cells and tissues have been shown to express CD44 variant (CD44v) isoforms. Using RT-PCR and DNA sequence analyses, we have found that unique CD44 splice variant isoforms are expressed in both prostate and breast cancer cell lines and carcinomas. Most importantly intracellular ankyrin is preferentially accumulated underneath the patched/capped structures of CD44 variant isoform in both breast and prostate cancer cells attached to HA-coated plates. We propose that selective expression of CD44v isoforms unique for certain metastatic carcinomas and their interaction with the cytoskeleton may play a pivotal role in regulating tumor cell behavior during tumor development and metastasis.

The use of covered stents for avoidance of catastrophic hemorrhage following treatment in patients with head and neck tumors with bilaterally threatened carotid arteries was successful.

No abstract