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Multiple myeloma with CD138 changed from positive to negative: A case report
Jianlin Yu1, Liming Tan1, Qiong Wu1
1Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
Cytometry. Part B, Clinical Cytometry
|January 23, 2020
Summary
This study reports a rare case of multiple myeloma (MM) where the CD138 marker shifted from positive to negative during treatment. This atypical finding highlights the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches in MM management.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy impacting the bone marrow.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on clinical, imaging, and immunophenotypic analysis.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old MM patient presented with a CD138 marker change.
- Flow cytometry initially showed CD138+ cells, which later became CD138-.
Findings:
- The patient's cells were initially CD138+/CD38+/CD19-/CD56+ and later CD138-/CD38+/CD19-/CD56+.
- This demonstrates an atypical immunophenotype in a confirmed MM case.
Implications:
- Atypical immunophenotypes do not preclude an MM diagnosis.
- Such changes may indicate disease progression or treatment response.
- Flow cytometry findings should be interpreted alongside clinical and imaging data.
