Current applications of multiparameter flow cytometry in plasma cell disorders

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Clinical Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) is a standard diagnostic and prognostic tool for plasma cell (PC) dyscrasias.
• Advances in multiple myeloma treatment necessitate sensitive methods for minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment.
• Minimal residual disease (MRD) status is a key endpoint for evaluating treatment efficacy and predicting survival in PC disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current applications of MFC and next-generation flow (NGF) cytometry in plasma cell disorders.
• To highlight the role of MFC and NGF in diagnosis, prognosis, and MRD evaluation.
• To discuss the utility of NGF for detecting circulating tumor cells.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on MFC and NGF applications in plasma cell dyscrasias.
• Discussion of technical advancements in flow cytometry for MRD assessment.
• Analysis of the role of flow cytometry in differential diagnosis and prognostic stratification.

Main Results:

• MFC provides rapid assessment of PC clonality and prognostic information.
• NGF cytometry is a validated, sensitive, and cost-effective technique for standardized MRD evaluation.
• MFC and NGF are applicable to a range of PC disorders, including multiple myeloma, solitary plasmocytoma, light-chain amyloidosis, and Waldenström macroglobulinemia.

Conclusions:

• MFC is crucial for the diagnosis and management of plasma cell dyscrasias.
• NGF cytometry represents a significant advancement for sensitive MRD detection and has potential for circulating tumor cell identification.
• These flow cytometry techniques are indispensable for comprehensive patient management in plasma cell disorders.