Multiple myeloma: beta-2-microglobulin is not a useful follow-up parameter.
Serum beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2M) has been suggested as the most powerful prognostic factor in multiple myeloma (MM). This paper investigates its ability to detect remission and relapse in individual patients. A correlation analysis was carried out between beta 2M and M component determinations, at diagnosis and monthly during follow-up in 21 consecutive MM patients with normal renal function. A statistically significant correlation was observed in 52.4% only. The lack of correlation in the remaining cases was due to low beta 2M production at diagnosis, or independent fluctuation of these 2 parameters. Serum beta 2M proved a much less reliable parameter for the detection of tumour variations than simpler M-component determination.
Boccadoro
M
M
Dipartimento di Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, Cattedra di Ematologia, Università di Torino, Italia.
Omedè
P
P
Frieri
R
R
Battaglio
S
S
Gallone
G
G
Massaia
M
M
Redoglia
V
V
Pileri
A
A
D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000097:blood*; D011379:Prognosis; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis*
D001798:Blood Proteins; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin