Serum β2‐microglobulin at remission and relapse in patients with multiple myeloma

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Abstract
Serum β2‐microglobulin (S‐β2m) was determined before treatment in fifty patients with multiple myeloma (MM), twenty‐two of which had pure Bence Jones (BJ) myeloma. S‐β2m was related to clinical stage before, but not after, a correction of S‐β2m values for co‐existent raised S‐creatinine values (> 106 μmol 1‐1)‐ However, S‐β2m as well as corrected β2m was a parameter of prognostic value. The median expected survival time was 14 months at S‐β2m values > 8·0 mg 1‐1 and 56 months at values‐1. A response to treatment was associated with a decrease of S‐β2m and a stationary course with unchanged values, whereas a relapse or progressive disease was connected with an increase. In β2m producers', i.e. patients with a clear initial high S‐β2m, serial determinations are of value for monitoring patients with MM. In particular, this is the case in BJ myelomas, as they lack a quantifiable serum M‐component. With respect to β2m no difference was found between BJ and other patients with MM.