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Updated: Aug 17, 2025
Detection of Cell-Free DNA in Blood Plasma Samples of Cancer Patients
Published on: September 9, 2020
The level and integrity of plasma circulating cell-free DNA in patients with primary multiple myeloma
Qian Shen1, Haiyan Cen2, Jing Jiang3
1Department of Hematology and Lymphoma, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Nantong, China.
Background:
To evaluate the clinical research related to the level and integrity of circulating free DNA (cfDNA) in the plasma of patients with multiple myeloma (MM).
Methods:
The plasma samples of 56 patients with newly diagnosed MM and 60 healthy volunteers were collected. ALU247 fragment and ALU115 fragment were used as target genes, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to assess the plasma of the patient and healthy control groups. The cfDNA level in MM was analyzed, and the ALU247/ALU115 ratio was used to calculate the integrity of cfDNA. The correlation between the cfDNA level and integrity and the clinical characteristics of patients with primary MM was analyzed, and their value in efficacy monitoring and prognostic evaluation was evaluated.
Results:
The plasma concentrations of ALU247 and ALU115 and the integrity of cfDNA in patients with primary MM were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls (P<0.05). The ALU247 fragment concentration was markedly correlated with the Durie-Salmon (D-S), International Staging System (ISS), and Revised-International Staging System (R-ISS) stages (P<0.05). After three courses of induction chemotherapy, the levels of ALU247, ALU115, and cfDNA integrity in both groups were lower than those before chemotherapy (P<0.05). Patients with curative effects of CR, sCR, and VGPR were classified into the ≥ very good partial response (VGPR) group (n=38), while those with curative effects of PR and SD were allocated into the
Conclusions:
CfDNA levels were significantly elevated in MM patients, and the ALU247 fragment concentration was remarkably correlated with multiple clinical features and had important clinical value for efficacy monitoring and prognostic assessment.
Insights
Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) levels are elevated in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Higher cfDNA ALU247 fragment concentration correlates with MM clinical features, aiding efficacy monitoring and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by uncontrolled plasma cell proliferation.
- Circulating free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma is increasingly recognized as a potential biomarker in various cancers.
- Evaluating cfDNA levels and integrity in MM may offer insights into disease status and treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical significance of cfDNA levels and integrity in patients with multiple myeloma.
- To assess the correlation between cfDNA markers and clinical characteristics of MM.
- To determine the utility of cfDNA for monitoring treatment efficacy and prognostic evaluation in MM.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from 56 newly diagnosed MM patients and 60 healthy controls.
- Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure ALU247 and ALU115 cfDNA fragments.
- cfDNA integrity was assessed using the ALU247/ALU115 ratio.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher cfDNA concentrations (ALU247, ALU115) and integrity were observed in MM patients compared to healthy controls.
- ALU247 fragment concentration showed a strong correlation with Durie-Salmon (D-S), International Staging System (ISS), and Revised-International Staging System (R-ISS) stages.
- Post-chemotherapy cfDNA levels decreased, and lower levels in patients achieving very good partial response (VGPR) or better indicated favorable outcomes and longer progression-free survival (PFS).
Conclusions:
- Elevated cfDNA levels in MM patients serve as a potential biomarker.
- The ALU247 fragment concentration is a valuable indicator for assessing MM clinical features and treatment response.
- cfDNA analysis holds promise for efficacy monitoring and prognostic assessment in multiple myeloma management.
