Novel Midkine Inhibitor Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Multiple Myeloma.

Background/aim: Multiple myeloma (MM), the second most common hematological malignancy, is characterized by the accumulation of malignant plasma cells within the bone marrow. Despite various drug classes for MM treatment, it remains incurable, necessitating novel and efficacious agents. This study aims to explore the anti-cancer activity of a midkine inhibitor, iMDK (CHFNOS), in myeloma cell lines.

Midkine inhibitor (iMDK) induces apoptosis of primary effusion lymphoma via G2/M cell cycle arrest.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in immunocompromised individuals such as AIDS patients. PEL shows a poor prognosis (median survival time < 6 months) compared with other AIDS-related lymphomas, and is generally resistant to conventional treatments. Novel drugs for PEL treatment are required.