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Phenotypic heterogeneity in aneuploid multiple myeloma indicates pre-B cell involvement
J Epstein1, B Barlogie, J Katzmann
1Department of Hematology, University of Texas System Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
Blood
|April 1, 1988
Summary
This study reveals a novel multiple myeloma cell phenotype co-expressing common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (CALLA) and cytoplasmic immunoglobulin (clg). This finding may help define distinct stages in neoplastic plasma cell differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells.
- Understanding myeloma cell differentiation is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
- Aneuploid tumor cells in bone marrow are characteristic of multiple myeloma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the expression of B cell markers on aneuploid multiple myeloma cells.
- To identify novel myeloma phenotypes and their relation to normal B cell differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Correlated DNA immunofluorescence flow cytometry was used.
- Expression of surface beta 2-microglobulin (B2M), cytoplasmic immunoglobulin (clg), and antigens like CALLA, B2, and B4 was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Nearly 90% of myeloma cells expressed monoclonal clg and mature plasma cell antigen R1-3, along with surface B2M.
- Common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (CALLA) was found in 55% of samples.
- A novel phenotype co-expressing CALLA and clg was identified in 46% of patients, with independent expression patterns.
Conclusions:
- The coexpression of CALLA and clg defines a unique myeloma phenotype.
- This phenotype lacks a counterpart in normal B cell differentiation.
- The association of CALLA with mature plasma cell markers may indicate specific stages of neoplastic plasma cell differentiation.