[Clinical usefulness of serum beta2-microglobulin determination in patients with multiple myeloma]

Serum concentrations of beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M) were determined in 73 patients with various forms of multiple myeloma and in various phases of the proliferative process. These determinations showed that beta 2M may be a useful indicator of changes in tumour mass and proliferation activity, and also an important prognostic factor. In patients with active proliferation the serum beta 2M concentration was significantly higher than in the group with stable proliferative process, and particularly in remission. A correlation was found between the serum concentration of monoclonal protein and beta 2M concentration. In the group with the secretory form of myeloma significant differences were showed in the length of survival which depended on beta 2M concentration in serum. The median survival of patients with beta 2M concentration in serum below 5.0 mg/l was 52 months and that in those with this concentration above 8.0 mg/l was 24 months.