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Multiple myeloma: circulating lymphocytes that express plasma cell antigens
Blood
|August 1, 1984
Summary
Multiple myeloma patients can have plasma cells expressing specific antigens in their peripheral blood, indicating a higher tumor burden. This finding suggests potential for peripheral blood monitoring in multiple myeloma management.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells.
- Understanding plasma cell distribution is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of plasma cells in peripheral blood of multiple myeloma patients.
- To correlate peripheral blood plasma cell presence with disease parameters.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of bone marrow and peripheral blood from 14 multiple myeloma patients.
- Use of murine monoclonal antibodies (R1-3, OKT10) to identify plasma cell antigens.
- Assessment of B cell differentiation antigens (B1, B2, J5).
Main Results:
- Peripheral blood lymphocytes expressing plasma cell antigens were detected in 6 out of 14 patients.
- In 5 of these cases, the antigens matched those on bone marrow plasma cells.
- Patients with peripheral blood involvement had greater tumor burden and higher plasma cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral blood involvement by plasma cells occurs in a subset of multiple myeloma patients.
- Presence of plasma cells in peripheral blood correlates with increased disease activity.
- Aberrant expression of B cell differentiation antigens may be observed.