Researchers from the University of Athens and Penn State University have announced that in a study of newly diagnosed patients, elevated TIMP-1, a blood biomarker, correlated with more advanced multiple myeloma, poorer overall survival, and the presence of bone lesions.

TIMP-1 belongs to the family of “tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases,” a group of proteins that help regulate bone turnover – the removal of old bone tissue (resorption) and the addition of new bone tissue (ossification). Through multiple molecular pathways, excess TIMP-1 may contribute to tumor development because it directly encourages cell growth …