Abstract
Background: Understanding the prognostic markers of multiple myeloma (MM) helps in optimizing therapeutic approaches. CD56 is frequently expressed by malignant plasma cells and its use as a prognostic marker in MM is promising. Aim: To evaluate prognostic value of CD56 expression in patients with MM. Methods: This study included 50 newly diagnosed patients with MM. Bone marrow samples were analyzed for CD56 expression by flow cytometry. All patients received bortezomib-based therapy for at least 3-4 months. Results: The median age of patients was 52 years (range 32-75) and 54% of them were males. The stage according to the International Staging System was I in 15 (30%) patients, II in 18 (36%) and III in 17 (34%). CD56 positivity was detected in 84% of enrolled patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that the lack of CD56 expression was an independent predictor of worse overall survival (HR = 4.31 [95% Confidence Interval: 1.23 – 15.13], p = 0.002). Conclusion: The present study suggests that CD56 negativity is associated with poor prognosis in patients with MM and that its incorporation in the risk panel of MM may be considered. Further studies with larger sample size to validate its prognostic value are needed.
Highlights
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell clonal disease that causes accumulation of malignant plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow
We examined the relationship between CD56 expression by malignant plasma cells in newly diagnosed MM patients and clinical as well as laboratory parameters to determine its prognostic value
Plasma cells could be sufficiently identified through CD138 positive gating on mononuclear cells
Summary
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell clonal disease that causes accumulation of malignant plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow. This accumulation leads to bony lesions as well as increased levels of serum and urinary monoclonal proteins. For a case of MM, the required antibodies panel reported by the European Myeloma Network is CD38, CD138, CD19, CD45, CD56, CD20, CD117, CD28, and CD27. It recommends a minimum of five initial gating parameters (CD38, CD138, CD45, FSC, and SSC properties) within the same tube for the calculation of total plasma cells 6. Further studies with larger sample size to validate its prognostic value are needed
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