Monoclonal Blood Lymphocytes in Benign Monoclonal Gammopathy and Multiple Myeloma in Relation to Clinical Stage

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Abstract
20 patients with benign monoclonal gammopathy (BMG) have been studied for blood lymphocyte and subpopulations. 4 patients had slightly decreased T‐lymphocyte values. Total B‐lymphocytes were within the normal range. In 3 BMG patients an abnormal ratio between χ‐ and Λ‐bearing lymphocytes was detected indicating circulating monoclonal cells. 41 patients with untreated multiple myeloma have also been analysed for blood monoclonal lymphoid cells using the χ:Λ‐ratio. 54% of the patients had monoclonal blood cells at diagnosis. The incidence and numbers of such cells increased with advanced clinical stage. Thus, it seems as if tumor volume is the main factor responsible for the appearance of monoclonal blood cells in multiple myeloma.