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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Flow Cytometric Characterization of Murine B Cell Development
Published on: January 22, 2021
Potential therapeutic targets in plasma cell disorders: A flow cytometry study
Katharina Lisenko1, Stefan Schönland1, Ute Hegenbart1
1Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
The discovery of new targets for tailored therapy is a major improvement in oncology, and tools for the rapid and reliable detection of these targets are essential. Clinical trials demonstrated the benefit of recently developed antibodies against antigens on malignant B-cells. The aim of this study was to assess patients with plasma cell (PC) disorders for expression of antigens on malignant PCs that have exhibited promise in targeted cancer therapy. We retrospectively analyzed the expression of CD20, CD22, CD27, CD30, CD38, CD52, CD81, CD138, and SLAMF7 on PCs by flow cytometry in 103 patients with PC disorders. Furthermore, we studied cytogenetic data to correlate immunophenotyping and genetic parameters. The expression frequency of CD22, CD30, and CD52 was similar to other studies (12-35%, 0-19%, and 0-8%, respectively). Unexpectedly, we observed a high CD20 expression frequency in 37% of all AL-amyloidosis cases. The presence of t(11;14) correlated positively with CD20 expression on PCs in AL-amyloidosis (p = 0.018). Furthermore, the expression level of SLAMF7 was decreased in advanced PC disorders (p = 0.025) and a diminished expression of SLAMF7 is associated with low expression of CD27 and CD81 on malignant PCs in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. This study provides a contribution to targeted therapy options in PC disorders. Particularly, the results put an emphasis on CD20 as therapeutic target in AL-amyloidosis. Regarding the therapeutic options of the SLAMF7 antibody elotuzumab, these data advise that analysis of SLAMF7 expression before application of elotuzumab might help to estimate the efficacy of elotuzumab in clinical trials. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society.
Insights
This study identifies CD20 as a promising therapeutic target in AL-amyloidosis, with high expression observed in 37% of cases. It also suggests assessing SLAMF7 expression before elotuzumab treatment for multiple myeloma.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Targeted therapy discovery is crucial in oncology.
- Antibodies targeting malignant B-cell antigens show clinical benefit.
- Identifying novel targets for plasma cell disorders is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess antigen expression on malignant plasma cells (PCs) in PC disorders.
- To evaluate CD20, CD22, CD27, CD30, CD38, CD52, CD81, CD138, and SLAMF7 expression.
- To correlate immunophenotyping with cytogenetic data for targeted therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 103 PC disorder patients.
- Flow cytometry used for antigen expression detection.
- Cytogenetic data analysis for correlation.
Main Results:
- CD22, CD30, CD52 expression frequencies were consistent with prior studies.
- High CD20 expression (37%) found in AL-amyloidosis cases, correlating with t(11;14).
- Decreased SLAMF7 expression noted in advanced PC disorders and associated with lower CD27/CD81 in multiple myeloma.
Conclusions:
- CD20 emerges as a significant therapeutic target in AL-amyloidosis.
- SLAMF7 expression analysis may predict elotuzumab efficacy in multiple myeloma.
- Findings contribute to advancing targeted therapy options for PC disorders.
