PLP2 Expression as a Prognostic and Therapeutic Indicator in High-Risk Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a devastating cancer with a highly heterogeneous outcome. Because of the heterogeneity of myeloma cells, risk stratification is important for making therapeutic regimens. Nevertheless, no immunohistochemical predictive and prognostic marker has been constructed yet. In the present study, we explored the prognostic value of proteolipid protein 2 (PLP2) in MM patients using immunohistochemistry (IHC). We assessed PLP2 expression in bone marrow (BM) biopsy specimens obtained from 87 newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients. Correlations between PLP2 expression and clinicopathological features were analyzed. PLP2 expression was present in high-risk MM patients, which was increased with disease progression and poor prognosis. PLP2 was increasing in parallel with high beta-2 microglobulin (β2-MG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Furthermore, MM patients with low PLP2 expression could achieve a favorable treatment response. PLP2 may be a novel biomarker for prognostic prediction and a therapeutic target for anti-MM treatments.