Abstract
In a longitudinal study of the evolution of serum beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) levels in 37 patients with myelomatosis, those patients with a level of < 4 mg/l at first presentation had a median survival of 46 months, whereas those with an initial level of > mg/l had a median survival of 15 months. THe beta 2-m appeared to be independent of the level of the paraprotein and its class, as seen in a vertical study of 129 patients. Analysis of the influence of a rising serum creatinine on the serum beta 2-m indicates that beta 2-m production is excessive in advanced disease with or without renal failure. Practical application of the measurement of serum beta 2-m in the stratification and monitoring of patients is suggested.
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Norfolk, D., Child, J., Cooper, E. et al. Serum β 2-microglobulin in myelomatosis: potential value in stratification and monitoring. Br J Cancer 42, 510–515 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.1980.273
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.1980.273