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Updated: Apr 22, 2026

An Organotypic High Throughput System for Characterization of Drug Sensitivity of Primary Multiple Myeloma Cells
Published on: July 15, 2015
Does thrombopoiesis in multiple myeloma patients depend on the stage of the disease?
Joanna Kamińska1, Olga M Koper1, Maria Mantur1
1Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
Purpose:
Infiltration of the bone marrow by neoplastic plasmocytes in multiple myeloma (MM) patients might impair megakaryocytopoiesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate stage-dependent platelet count (PLT) and thrombopoietin (TPO) concentration in comparison to the control group. We also wanted to establish whether TPO might be recognized as a marker of the stage of the disease.
Material/Methods:
The study group consisted of 41 patients (mean age 67.7) with newly diagnosed MM prior to treatment and categorized according to the Durie and Salmon diagnostic classification. The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects (mean age 65.5). PLT, WBC, RBC and Hb were measured with the use of the haematological analyser. TPO was assayed with the use of ELISA and albumin with the use of the immunonephelometry method. The number of plasma cells in the bone marrow was evaluated in bone marrow smears under light microscopy.
Results:
PLT was not statistically different as compared the control groups, but was stage-dependent. Thrombocytopenia was observed in the III stage of MM. TPO median was significantly higher in study group than in healthy subjects and it was increasing considerably with the stage of the disease. TPO concentration was negatively correlated with albumin and PLT. AUC for TPO was 0.9764. The number of plasma cells in the bone marrow was considerably increasing with the stage of the disease.
Conclusions:
PLT and TPO in MM patients were stage-dependent. Elevated TPO concentration in MM patients might be an unfavourable marker of the stage of the disease.
Insights
Platelet count (PLT) and thrombopoietin (TPO) levels in multiple myeloma (MM) patients are stage-dependent. Elevated TPO may indicate an advanced stage of MM.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) involves neoplastic plasmocyte infiltration of bone marrow.
- This infiltration may disrupt megakaryocytopoiesis, affecting platelet production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate stage-dependent platelet count (PLT) and thrombopoietin (TPO) in MM patients.
- To compare these levels with a control group.
- To determine if TPO can serve as a marker for MM disease stage.
Main Methods:
- Studied 41 newly diagnosed MM patients (Durie and Salmon classification) and 30 healthy controls.
- Measured PLT, TPO, and albumin using standard hematological and immunoassay techniques.
- Assessed bone marrow plasma cell counts via microscopy.
Main Results:
- PLT showed no significant difference from controls but was stage-dependent, with thrombocytopenia in Stage III MM.
- TPO levels were significantly higher in MM patients than controls and increased with disease stage.
- TPO concentration correlated negatively with albumin and PLT; AUC for TPO was 0.9764.
Conclusions:
- Both PLT and TPO levels are stage-dependent in multiple myeloma.
- Elevated TPO concentration in MM patients may indicate an unfavorable disease stage.
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