CD44 and plasma cell myeloma: Multiple myeloma (MM) cell growth and survival is regulated by interactions between myeloma and bone marrow stromal cells.1 The adherence of myeloma cells to stromal cells and to components of the extracellular matrix through adhesion molecules is a key process for this regulation.2 These adhesion molecules include vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1; CD106), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54), CD44, CD58, selectins and others.3 VCAM-1 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and encodes a cell surface sialoglycoprotein.