ABSTRACT
Myeloma bone disease (MBD) is the most common complication of multiple myeloma (MM). The pathogenesis of MBD is associated with the increase of osteoclast activity and the inhibition of osteoblast function, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Normal bone remodeling is maintained by bone cells, osteoclasts and osteoblasts balancing bone formation and bone resorption. A variety of cytokines can affect bone formation and bone resorption by regulating the activity of bone cells, osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Recent studies have reported that the molecules and pathways related to osteoclast activation and osteoblastic inhibition include the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin pathway, activin-A, Wnt signal inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and sclerostin, etc. These molecules can affect tumor growth and provide the possibility for the development of new drugs and the treatment of MBD and MM. This article reviews the latest progress in the pathogenesis and treatment of MBD.