[Does multiple myeloma response to induction therapy depend on plasma cell IL6 receptor gene expression?]. / L'expression de l'IL6-r par les plasmocytes influe-t-elle la réponse au traitement d'induction au cours du myélome multiple ?

BACKGROUND: Interleukine 6 (IL-6) is the most important cytokine involved in malignant plasma cells growth and survival. AIM: To analyse bone marrow plasma cells IL6 receptor gene expression in both multiple myeloma patients at diagnosis and healthy bone marrow donors. METHODS: Clinical and biological patients' features and responses to Dexamethasone-Thalidomide induction therapy were gathered. 47 patients and 16 case controls were analyzed: Bone marrow plasma cells were isolated; and IL6 receptor gene expression was quantified using Taqman quantitative PCr technology and 2-ΔCT formula. RESULTS: Quantitative and qualitative IL6 receptor gene expression were negatively correlated with the degree of response to therapy (p= 0.02). In this study, plasma cells IL6 receptor gene expression seems to be decisive in predicting the response to treatment. CONCLUSION: Understanding the mechanisms involved in plasma cells IL6 receptor gene expression may offer a better appreciation of the physiopathologic and anti-oncogenic ways of drug resistance in multiple myeloma and consequently the discovery of new specific drugs.