ISSN 2997-1036
International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 6, No. 9, September 2015 | pp. 65–72
DOI: 10.46882/2015/IJH/000069
Original Article
Title: Immunophenotypic profile and clinical staging correlates of multiple myeloma variants using a concise flow cytometry panel
Names of Authors: W. A. Adebayo¹, X. Y. Emeka², Z. Z. Salami³
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; ²Department of Haematology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria; ³Department of Pathology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
Abstract: Multiparameter flow cytometry immunophenotyping plays an important role in identifying aberrant plasma cells and establishing risk architecture in multiple myeloma. This prospective study characterized surface antigen expressions using a concise panel (CD19, CD38, CD45, CD56, CD138) in 52 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients and evaluated correlations with the International Staging System (ISS). Clonal plasma cells were identified via bright CD38 and CD138 co-expression. Aberrant CD56 expression was detected in 71.1% (37 of 52) of the cohort, while 88.4% demonstrated a complete absence of CD19 and CD45 markers. Patients presenting with an isolated CD56-negative/CD45-positive immunophenotype (15.3% of cases) displayed significantly higher baseline serum beta-2 microglobulin levels and were categorized predominantly in ISS Stage III (P < 0.01). Furthermore, this subgroup showed an elevated prevalence of extramedullary disease features. Utilizing a concise five-marker flow cytometry protocol provides rapid confirmation of clonal plasma cell anomalies, with specific antigen loss or retention offering helpful diagnostic indicators for aggressive multiple myeloma phenotypes.
Keywords: Multiple myeloma, flow cytometry, CD56, CD138, immunophenotyping, clinical staging
Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 15, 2015; Revised: July 24, 2015; Accepted: August 12, 2015; Published: September 15, 2015