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The exploration of B cell maturation antigen expression in plasma cell dyscrasias beyond multiple myeloma

Yanjie Xu1, Xia Mao1,2, Yimei Que1

  • 1Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie-Fang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China.

BMC Cancer
|February 8, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is expressed in multiple myeloma (MM) and other plasma cell dyscrasias (PCDs). This suggests BCMA immunotherapies could treat a wider range of PCDs beyond MM.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) targeted immunotherapies show significant efficacy in multiple myeloma (MM).
  • Evaluating BCMA expression in various plasma cell dyscrasias (PCDs) is crucial for expanding treatment strategies.
  • Relapsed/refractory PCDs beyond MM require novel therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess BCMA expression levels across different types of PCDs.
  • To determine if BCMA can serve as a therapeutic target for PCDs other than MM.
  • To correlate BCMA expression with clinical parameters in PCD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 377 patients with PCDs (including MM, AL amyloidosis, POEMS, MGUS, MGRS) from January 2018 to August 2021.
  • Quantification of membrane-bound BCMA expression using multiparameter flow cytometry, assessing positivity rate and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI).
  • Multivariate analysis to identify associations between BCMA expression and clinical factors like hemoglobin concentration.

Main Results:

  • Multiple myeloma patients exhibited a high median BCMA positive rate (88.55%) and MFI (1281).
  • Other PCDs showed a median BCMA positive rate of 55.8% and MFI of 553.
  • BCMA expression levels (positive rate and MFI) were found to be negatively correlated with hemoglobin concentration.

Conclusions:

  • BCMA is expressed in various PCDs, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target beyond multiple myeloma.
  • BCMA-targeted therapies may offer new treatment options for patients with relapsed/refractory PCDs.
  • Further research into BCMA's role in PCDs is warranted to develop targeted immunotherapies.
Keywords:
AmyloidosisBCMAImmunotherapyMultiple myelomaPlasma cell dyscrasia

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