title: [Beta 2 microglobulin in serum--a "tumor marker" in malignant lymphomas?].
abstract: Serum beta 2-microglobulin concentration was investigated in 221 patients with malignant lymphoma (Hodgkin type and non-Hodgkin type). In 55% of the unselected group of patients increased serum concentrations of beta 2-microglobulin were found. There was a close correlation between tumor extension and beta 2-microglobulin levels. In the tumor stage I the beta 2-microglobulin concentration was 1.65 +/- 0.45 mg/l, in the stage II 2.41 +/- 0.65 mg/l. The levels in the stage III (3.48 +/- 1.15 mg/l) and in the stage IV (5.49 +/- 1.99 mg/l) were significant higher than normal. Using longitudinal studies, measurement of beta 2-microglobulin was followed up during the course of the disease. During tumor regression by an effective antineoplastic therapy initially elevated beta 2-microglobulin concentrations decreased. In patients who achieved a complete remission a normalization of beta 2-microglobulin concentration was seen. We conclude from our findings that beta 2-microglobulin has the characteristics of a tumor associated marker in patients with malignant lymphomas. The low specificity and sensitivity limits the clinical use of this parameter.
authors.affiliation: Evangelisches Waldkrankenhaus Spandau, Berlin.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Aulbert
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Steffens
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin
vernacular_title: Beta 2-Mikroglobulin im Serum--ein "Tumormarker" bei malignen Lymphomen?