title: Beta-2-microglobulin review: its relevance in clinical oncology.
abstract: Beta-2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) is an intrinsic part of the HLA system and is most probably involved in cell recognition. The levels of free beta 2-m in the blood and urine are influenced by beta 2-m production and its clearance and destruction in the kidney. Many tumors can be associated with an elevated serum beta 2-m, the reason is unknown. The most promising application of beta 2-m as a tumor marker would appear to be lymphoid malignancies, especially multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
mesh_terms: D001609:Beta-Globulins / Q000378:metabolism*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood; D006680:HLA Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000097:blood; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000097:blood; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000097:blood; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000097:blood; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000097:blood; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology / Q000652:urine; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000097:blood; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D001609:Beta-Globulins; D006680:HLA Antigens; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin