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Distinct immunophenotypic profiles of circulating tumor plasma cells in MGUS and smoldering multiple myeloma

Atsushi Uehara1, Kentaro Narita1, Fuminari Fujii1

  • 1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kameda Medical Center, 929 Higashi-Chou, Kamogawa-Shi, Chiba, 296-8602, Japan.

International Journal of Hematology
|December 2, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Circulating tumor plasma cells (CTPCs) in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) show distinct features. These cells exhibit altered protein expression and a higher prevalence of specific chromosomal abnormalities, offering insights into disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) are precursor conditions to multiple myeloma.
  • Circulating tumor plasma cells (CTPCs) are increasingly recognized as important biomarkers in plasma cell disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the phenotypic and cytogenetic profiles of CTPCs in patients with MGUS and SMM.
  • To compare CTPCs with bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs) and identify distinct features relevant to disease pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Immunophenotypic analysis using mean fluorescence intensity to assess cell surface marker expression on CTPCs.
  • Cytogenetic analysis to detect chromosomal abnormalities in CTPC-positive and CTPC-negative patient groups.
  • Analysis of serum soluble B cell maturation antigen levels.

Main Results:

  • CTPCs were detected in 38.2% of MGUS and 61.8% of SMM patients.
  • CTPCs showed significant downregulation of CD200, CD117, CD38, CD56, CD28, and overexpression of CD45 compared to BMPCs.
  • Higher prevalence of del(13q) and high-risk chromosomal abnormalities was observed in CTPC-positive patients.

Conclusions:

  • CTPCs in MGUS and SMM possess distinct phenotypic and cytogenetic characteristics.
  • These findings contribute to understanding the biological features and pathogenesis of early-stage plasma cell neoplasms.
  • CTPC analysis may offer prognostic value in MGUS and SMM.

Keywords:
Circulating tumor plasma cellsMonoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significanceSmoldering multiple myeloma

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