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Instability of immunophenotype in plasma cell myeloma
Wenqing Cao1, Charles L Goolsby, Beverly P Nelson
1Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|May 16, 2008
Summary
Antigen expression in plasma cell myeloma can change, impacting targeted therapies. Researchers found CD56, CD20, and CD52 antigen stability varied in patients, suggesting careful consideration for treatment decisions.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Limited data exists on antigen stability in plasma cell myeloma.
- Understanding antigen expression is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the expression frequency and stability of CD20, CD52, and CD56 antigens in plasma cell myeloma patients.
- To determine if immunophenotype changes correlate with clinical factors or therapy response.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometric analyses were performed on 56 plasma cell myeloma patients.
- Expression of CD20, CD52, and CD56 antigens was assessed for stability over time.
Main Results:
- 41% of patients (23/56) exhibited immunophenotype changes.
- CD52 showed the highest rate of change (17 cases), followed by CD20 (7 cases) and CD56 (6 cases).
- Immunophenotype shifts were more frequent in patients with IgA paraprotein compared to IgG.
Conclusions:
- Antigen expression in plasma cell myeloma is not always stable.
- Recognizing immunophenotype instability is vital for antigen-directed treatment strategies and monitoring residual disease.
