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Myelomonocytic antigen positive multiple myeloma
T M Grogan1, B G Durie, C M Spier
1Department of Pathology, Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson 85724.
Blood
|February 15, 1989
Summary
Myeloma cells unexpectedly coexpressed myelomonocytic antigens in 13% of patients. Multiple antigen expression indicated aggressive disease and shorter survival, suggesting potential multilineage capacity or aberrant antigen expression in malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy.
- Coexpression of antigens typically found on other hematopoietic lineages is rare in myeloma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and implications of myelomonocytic antigen coexpression in myeloma cells.
Main Methods:
- Immunophenotyping of bone marrow and cell culture samples from myeloma patients.
- Utilized immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, including coplots and double labeling.
Main Results:
- 13% of myeloma patients (16/125) showed coexpression of myelomonocytic and plasma cell antigens.
- Isolated myeloid antigen expression was linked to typical myeloma features and median survival of 33 months.
- Multiple myeloid antigen expression correlated with aggressive disease, shorter survival (median 16 months), high labeling index, and common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (CALLA) positivity.
Conclusions:
- Myeloma cells exhibit an unexpected predilection for coexpressing myelomonocytic antigens.
- The significance of this coexpression, whether true multilineage potential or aberrant antigen expression, requires further investigation.
- A myeloma cell line with coexpressing antigens offers a tool for detailed analysis.