Plasma cell associated markers CD38, PCA-I, M681 and Ki67

ABSTRACT

We analysed plasma cell associated markers in peripheral blood smears and bone marrow samples in subjects with multiple myeloma by flow cytometry to identify a suitable marker for plasma cells. PC A-1 and M68-1 appear to be useful markers of myeloma cells in bone marrow. More importantly, there is an excess of cells marking with these antibodies, as well as CD38 positive cells, in the peripheral blood in multiple myeloma. Further investigation directed at the identification of the nature of these myeloma-associated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and their behaviour in relation to disease status is indicated and, as peripheral blood sampling is much more acceptable than repeated bone marrow examination, clinically useful information could perhaps be obtained using such an approach: