Beta 2 microglobulin in serum--a "tumor marker" in malignant lymphomas?

Serum beta 2-microglobulin concentration was investigated in 221 patients with malignant lymphoma (Hodgkin type and non-Hodgkin type). In 55% of the unselected group of patients increased serum concentrations of beta 2-microglobulin were found. There was a close correlation between tumor extension a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMedizinische Klinik (München. 1983) Vol. 85; no. 1; p. 13
Main Authors Aulbert, E, Steffens, O
Format Journal Article
LanguageGerman
Published Germany 15.01.1990
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
beta 2-Microglobulin - metabolism
Biomarkers, Tumor - blood
Female
Hodgkin Disease - diagnosis
Humans
Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin - diagnosis
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasms - blood
Neoplasms - diagnosis
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Summary:Serum beta 2-microglobulin concentration was investigated in 221 patients with malignant lymphoma (Hodgkin type and non-Hodgkin type). In 55% of the unselected group of patients increased serum concentrations of beta 2-microglobulin were found. There was a close correlation between tumor extension and beta 2-microglobulin levels. In the tumor stage I the beta 2-microglobulin concentration was 1.65 +/- 0.45 mg/l, in the stage II 2.41 +/- 0.65 mg/l. The levels in the stage III (3.48 +/- 1.15 mg/l) and in the stage IV (5.49 +/- 1.99 mg/l) were significant higher than normal. Using longitudinal studies, measurement of beta 2-microglobulin was followed up during the course of the disease. During tumor regression by an effective antineoplastic therapy initially elevated beta 2-microglobulin concentrations decreased. In patients who achieved a complete remission a normalization of beta 2-microglobulin concentration was seen. We conclude from our findings that beta 2-microglobulin has the characteristics of a tumor associated marker in patients with malignant lymphomas. The low specificity and sensitivity limits the clinical use of this parameter.
ISSN:0723-5003