Klin Onkol 1997; 10(6): 184-187.
Mature multiple myeloma cells have their characteristic phenotype which can be recognized by immunofluorescent techniques. We have evaluated myeloma cells in peripheral blood of patients with multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance by flow cytometry on the basis of expression of antigens CD38, CD54 and CD56. We have compared the fraction of myeloma cells in peripheral blood with disease activity on the basis of SWOG criteria.
63 patients with monoclonal gammopathies were examined. Patients with high disease activity have had the highest fraction of cells with evaluated antigens present in the blood. Patients in a plateau phase and patients in remission have had a smaller fraction of these cells. However, two patients with active disease have had no detectable cells expressing CD38++54+56+ antigens.
The method of evaluation of CD38++56 and CD38++54+ cells in the peripheral blood is suitable for disease activity evaluation in patients with positive proof of these cells at the time of diagnosis. The method is useful for the diagnosis of early relapse and allows for timely initiation treatment.
