Treatment of Persons with Multiple Myeloma in Underprivileged Circumstances: Real-World Data from a Single Institution.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has evolved in recent years, and the disease-associated prognosis has improved substantially. This improvement has been driven largely by the approval of novel agents, many of which are expensive and not universally available. Less expensive but effective approaches would be of value globally. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive MM patients diagnosed in the Centro de Hematología y Medicina Interna de Puebla after 1993 were included in this study. Patients were given oral thalidomide (100 mg/day), oral dexamethasone (36-40 mg/week), and aspirin 100 mg/day. Bor-tezomib (1.75 mg s.c. every week) was administered to those who could afford it. After 4-6 weeks of treatment, patients were offered an outpatient-based hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). After the recovery of granulocytes following HCT, patients continued indefinitely on thalidomide; those who failed to tolerate thalidomide were switched to lenalidomide (25 mg/day). RESULTS: The median overall survival (OS) for all patients has not been reached and is >157 months. Median follow-up of the patients lasted 14 months (range 1.3-157). The median OS of patients with and without HCT was similar. The response rate (complete remission or very good partial remission) was 72% for those given thalidomide plus dexamethasone versus 88% for those given bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone before HCT, but OS was not different. As post-HCT maintenance, 37 patients received thalidomide; 26 of those (70%) could be maintained indefinitely on thalidomide, whereas 11 were switched to lenalidomide after a median of 7 months; median OS of patients maintained on thalidomide or lenalidomide after HCT was not different. CONCLUSION: In this series, a regimen incorporating low-cost novel agents and outpatient HCT was associated with excellent long-term survival in the treatment of MM patients. This approach may be a model for MM treatment in underprivileged circumstances.

Vitamin D in systemic lupus erythematosus with and without lupus nephritis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las concentraciones séricas subóptimas de vitamina D se presentan en múltiples enfermedades crónicas, como las enfermedades autoinmunitarias. Los objetivos del estudio fueron: 1) comparar las concentraciones séricas de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25OHD3) en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) con y sin nefritis lúpica (NL), y 2) evaluar la asociación de las concentraciones séricas de 25OHD3 con la actividad de la enfermedad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio comparativo, transversal, que incluyó 48 mujeres con LES, con y sin NL. Se excluyeron aquellas con enfermedad renal crónica en estadio IV, cáncer, hiperparatiroidismo, embarazo o lactancia. La actividad fue evaluada con el instrumento SLEDAI-2K. La concentración sérica de 25OHD3 se determinó mediante inmunoanálisis quimioluminiscente. RESULTADOS: La media de edad de las pacientes con y sin NL fue de 36.3 ± 8.6 años y 42.7 ± 7.6 años, respectivamente. Se observó una elevada prevalencia de valores subóptimos de 25OHD3 en todas las pacientes (93%). Las concentraciones séricas de 25OHD3 fueron diferentes entre pacientes con y sin NL: 21.5 ± 6.8 ng/ml frente a 19.2 ± 7.1 ng/ml (p = 0.362). No se encontró correlación entre la concentración sérica de 25OHD3 y la actividad de la enfermedad (r = -045, p = 0.761). CONCLUSIONES: En pacientes con LES, las concentraciones séricas de 25OHD3 fueran diferentes entre pacientes con y sin NL; sin embargo, esta diferencia no fue significativa. Además, no se encontró correlación entre las concentraciones séricas de 25OHD3 y la actividad de la enfermedad evaluada por SLEDAI-2K. BACKGROUND: Sub-optimal serum vitamin D levels occur in multiple chronic diseases such as autoimmune diseases. The objectives of this study were: 1) compare the serum concentration of 25-hidroxivitamin D (25OHD3) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with and without lupus nephritis (LN), and 2) evaluate the association of serum concentration of 25OHD3 with the activity of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted, including 48 women with SLE, with and without clinical diagnosis of LN, according to the score of renal activity evaluated by SLEDAI-2K. Patients with stage IV chronic kidney disease, cancer, hyperparathyroidism, pregnancy and lactation were excluded. The activity was evaluated by the SLEDAI-2K instrument. The serum concentration of 25OHD3 was assessed by chemiluminescent immunoassay. RESULTS: The mean age of patients with and without LN was 36.3 ± 8.6 and 42.7 ± 7.6 years, respectively. High prevalence of suboptimal 25OHD3 levels was observed (93%). 25OHD3 concentrations were different between patients with and without LN, 21.5 ± 6.8 ng/mL vs. 19.2 ± 7.1 ng/mL (p = 0.362). No correlation was found between serum 25OHD3 concentration (r = −045, p = 0.761). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences found in serum concentrations of 25OHD3 in patients with or without NL. Moreover, no correlation was found between serum 25OHD3 levels and the activity of the disease evaluated by SLEDAI-2K.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and risk of metabolic syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus women.

OBJECTIVE: A protective function of vitamin D in metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been described. The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and MetS in non-diabetic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) women. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses of the relationship between concentrations of 25(OH)D, MetS, and its components were made in 160 non-diabetic SLE women. MetS was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were categorized into quartiles (<16.6, 16.6-21.1, 21.2-26.3, ≥26.4 ng/mL). RESULTS: A total of 79 (49.3%) SLE women had MetS. Without adjusting for body mass index (BMI) or smoking, the odds of having MetS decreased according to increasing quartiles of 25(OH)D concentrations (P for trend = .03). The odds ratio (OR) of having MetS was 0.4 (95% confidence interval: 0.2-0.9, P = .04) for the highest vs the lowest quartile of 25(OH)D concentrations when adjusted by age. The crude OR of having elevated hypertriglyceridemia decreased according to increasing quartiles of 25(OH)D concentrations (P for trend = .036). However, further adjustments for BMI and smoking removed the inverse association between 25(OH)D concentrations and MetS and its individual components. CONCLUSION: In non-diabetic SLE women with mild activity, 25(OH)D concentrations are not associated with MetS and its components.

Determine safety of outpatient chemotherapy and autotransplants using refrigerated, non-frozen grafts in persons with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Persons with multiple sclerosis are increasingly treated with intermediate- or high-dose chemotherapy and a hematopoietic cell autotransplant. This is often done in an inpatient setting using frozen blood cell grafts. OBJECTIVE: Determine if chemotherapy and a hematopoietic cell autotransplant can be safely done in an outpatient setting using refrigerated, non-frozen grafts. METHODS: We developed an autotransplant protocol actionable in an outpatient setting using a refrigerated, non-frozen blood graft collected after giving cyclophosphamide, 50 mg/kg/d × 2 days and filgrastim, 10 µg/kg/d. A second identical course was given 9 days later followed by infusion of blood cells stored at 4°C for 1-4 days. The co-primary outcomes were rates of granulocyte and platelet recovery and therapy-related mortality. RESULTS: We treated 426 consecutive subjects. Median age was 47 years (range, 21-68 years). A total of 145 (34%) were male. Median graft refrigeration time was 1 day (range, 1-4 days). Median interval to granulocytes >0.5 × 10E + 9/L was 8 days (range, 2-12) and to platelets >20 × 10E + 9/L, 8 days (range, 1-12). Only 15 subjects (4%) were hospitalized, predominately for iatrogenic pneumothorax (N = 5) and neutropenic fever (N = 4). There was only 1 early death from infection. CONCLUSION: Intermediate-dose chemotherapy and a hematopoietic cell autotransplant can be safely done in an outpatient setting using, refrigerated, non-frozen grafts.

[Reporte de la Primera Reunión Nacional de Consenso para la Inmunofenotipificación de Leucemias Agudas].

En 2005 se publicaron recomendaciones para la tipificación de hemopatías malignas en Latinoamérica. Se consideró necesario realizar una reunión nacional para actualizarlas. Se convocaron y reunieron 95 profesionales expertos en el tema para analizar y contrastar alternativas y llegar a un consenso. Se alcanzaron opiniones de consenso en lo relativo a indicaciones, tipos y manejo de muestras, anticuerpos, nomenclatura e informe de resultados para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de las leucemias agudas. Las recomendaciones se describen en este artículo y se hace hincapié en la necesidad de que los laboratorios nacionales se apeguen a ellas.

Recommendations for the typing of hematological malignancies in Latin America were published in 2005. Carrying out a national meeting to update them was deemed necessary. 95 professional experts on the subject were invited in order to analyze and contrast alternatives and reach a consensus. Consensus opinions were reached regarding indications, sample types and processing, antibodies, nomenclature and reporting of results for the diagnosis and monitoring of acute leukemias. This paper describes the recommendations and emphasizes on the need for national laboratories to adhere to them.

Reporte de la Primera Reunión Nacional de Consenso para la Inmunofenotipificación de Leucemias Agudas / Report of the First National Consensus Meeting for the Immunophenotyping of Acute Leukemias

Resumen En 2005 se publicaron recomendaciones para la tipificación de hemopatías malignas en Latinoamérica. Se consideró necesario realizar una reunión nacional para actualizarlas. Se convocaron y reunieron 95 profesionales expertos en el tema para analizar y contrastar alternativas y llegar a un consenso. Se alcanzaron opiniones de consenso en lo relativo a indicaciones, tipos y manejo de muestras, anticuerpos, nomenclatura e informe de resultados para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de las leucemias agudas. Las recomendaciones se describen en este artículo y se hace hincapié en la necesidad de que los laboratorios nacionales se apeguen a ellas.

Abstract Recommendations for the typing of hematological malignancies in Latin America were published in 2005. Carrying out a national meeting to update them was deemed necessary. 95 professional experts on the subject were invited in order to analyze and contrast alternatives and reach a consensus. Consensus opinions were reached regarding indications, sample types and processing, antibodies, nomenclature and reporting of results for the diagnosis and monitoring of acute leukemias. This paper describes the recommendations and emphasizes on the need for national laboratories to adhere to them.

Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Undergoing Stem Cell Transplantation and Treated with Cyclophosphamide.

BACKGROUND: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is partially impaired in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). When given chemotherapy before receiving hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, GFR might be further deteriorated. OBJECTIVE: To measure the effect of cyclophosphamide on GFR in patients with MS who undergo chemotherapy. METHODS: We estimated GFR based on creatinine and cystatin C plasma concentrations in patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation to treat their MS. RESULTS: Baseline GFR values were lower in the 28 patients with MS than in the 20 healthy individuals. Also, according to the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaborative Group (CKD-EPI) 2012 Creat-CysC equation criteria, 4 of 28 patients were classified as having chronic kidney disease (CKD) before receiving the chemotherapy drugs. After receiving 4 × 50 mg per kg body weight cyclophosphamide, abnormal GFR results were recorded in 12 of 28 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Renal function must be monitored in patients with MS undergoing autologous stem-cell transplantation. Also, chemotherapy should be constrained as much as possible to prevent further deterioration of renal function.

Simultaneous use of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assay and flow cytometric DNA ploidy analysis in patients with acute leukemia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to simultaneously use multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay and flow cytometric DNA ploidy analysis (FPA) to detect aneuploidy in patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia. METHODS: MLPA assay and propidium iodide FPA were used to test samples from 53 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia referred to our laboratory for immunophenotyping. Results were compared by nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: The combined use of both methods significantly increased the rate of detection of aneuploidy as compared to that obtained by each method alone. The limitations of one method are somehow countervailed by the other and vice versa. CONCLUSIONS: MPLA and FPA yield different yet complementary information concerning aneuploidy in acute leukemia. The simultaneous use of both methods might be recommended in the clinical setting. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

A Feasibility Study of the Full Outpatient Conduction of Hematopoietic Transplants in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis Employing Autologous Non-Cryopreserved Peripheral Blood Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND: With the goal of achieving immune system reset, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantations have been performed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-six consecutive patients with MS were autografted in a single center using non-frozen peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs), on an outpatient basis and conditioning with cyclophosphamide and rituximab. The protocol was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02674217. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-four females and 92 males were included; the median age was 47. All procedures were started on an outpatient basis and only 8 persons needed to be admitted to the hospital during the procedure. In order to obtain at least 1 × 106/kg viable CD34 cells, 1-4 aphereses were performed (median 1). The total number of viable CD34+ cells infused ranged between 1 and 19.2 × 106/kg (median 4.6). Patients recovered above 0.5 × 109/L absolute granulocytes on median day 8 (range 0-12). Two individuals needed red blood cells but none needed platelet transfusions. There were no transplant-related deaths and the 128-month overall survival of the patients is 100%. In 82 persons followed up for 3 or more months, the Expanded Disability Status Scale diminished from a mean of 5.2-4.9, the best results being obtained in relapsing-remitting and primary progressive MS. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to conduct autotransplants for patients with MS employing non-frozen PBSCs and outpatient conduction. Additional information is needed to assess the efficacy of these procedures in the treatment of patients with MS.

Vitamin D and Sjögren syndrome.

The immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D have been extensively studied in the context of autoimmunity. Multiple studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in autoimmune diseases. Recently, a possible protective role of vitamin D in autoimmunity has been described; however, this function remains controversial. Few studies have investigated the role of vitamin D in patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS). In this review, we compiled the main features of SS pathogenesis, the vitamin D immunomodulatory effects and the possible interaction between both. Data suggests that vitamin D may play a role in the SS pathogenesis. In addition, vitamin D low levels have been found in SS patients, which are associated with extra-glandular manifestations, such as lymphoma or neuropathy, suggesting a possible benefit effect of vitamin D in SS.

Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in mexican patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Prevalence and relationship with disease activity. / Insuficiencia y deficiencia de vitamina D en pacientes mexicanas con lupus eritematoso sistémico: prevalencia y relación con actividad de la enfermedad.

OBJECTIVES: To determine and compare the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with and without disease activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We made a comparative, observational, cross-sectional, prospective study of 137 women with SLE according to American College of Rheumatology criteria. Patients with chronic kidney disease, cancer, hyperparathyroidism, pregnancy, and lactation were excluded. Disease activity was assessed using the MEX-SLEDAI score: a score of ≥3 was considered as disease activity. Data were collected on diabetes mellitus, the use of corticosteroids, chloroquine, and immunosuppressants, photoprotection and vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D levels were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay: insufficiency was defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D <30ng/ml and deficiency as <10ng/ml. RESULTS: 137 women with SLE (mean age 45.9±11.6 years, disease duration 7.7±3.4 years) were evaluated. Mean disease activity was 2 (0-8): 106 patients had no disease activity and 31 had active disease (77.4% versus 22.6%). Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was found in 122(89.0%) and 4 (2.9%) patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in vitamin D levels between patients with and without active disease (19.3±4.5 versus 19.7±6.8; P=.75). No correlation between the MEX-SLEDAI score (P=.21), photosensitivity, photoprotection, prednisone or chloroquine use and vitamin D supplementation was found. CONCLUSIONS: Women with SLE had a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficient. No association between vitamin D levels and disease activity was found.

Mexican Biosimilar Filgrastim for Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization and Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Following the release of the initial presentation of filgrastim (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor), several biosimilars have been developed worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of a Mexican biosimilar granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in a single transplant center. METHODS: In a group of 19 consecutive patients with multiple sclerosis given autografts, we employed granulocyte colony-stimulating factors to mobilize stem cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood, either the original granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (n = 10) or a Mexican granulocyte colony-stimulating factor biosimilar (n = 9). RESULTS: The efficacy of both agents was similar in mobilization capacity, white blood cell count rise, stem cell collection, and kinetics of auto-engraftment. CONCLUSION: We conclude that both granulocyte colony-stimulating factor agents were similar in their efficacy to mobilize stem cells and usefulness in autografts.

Serum Antibodies to Melanocytes in Patients With Vitiligo Are Predictors of Disease Progression.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the amount of serum antibodies to melanocyte antigens could predict clinical activity or disease progression in patients with vitiligo. A solid-phase enzyme immunoassay was developed to semiquantitate serum antibodies to a human melanocyte extract and was used in 127 patients, 93 of whom showed clinical progression of the disease, while the remaining 34 were quiescent. Results showed different values for clinical sensitivity and specificity depending on the cutoff level for decision, but the overall performance of the test was adequate and supported statistical significance to predict clinical activity/progression or quietness of the disease process. The test might prove useful in deciding the indication and aggressiveness of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with vitiligo. Previous findings suggest that melanocyte-specific antibodies might play a pathogenetic role in the depletion of melanocytes, which characterizes this disorder, and that this depletion might be due to apoptosis following antibody internalization.

[Donor cell leukemia (DCL): A prospective study of its identification and treatment]. / Leucemia en células del donador (LCD): un estudio prospectivo de su identificación y tratamiento.

Donor-derived malignancies after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and after solid organ transplantation are considered as rare diseases. We have prospectively searched for donor cell leukemia in a 12-year period, in a single institution, in a group of 106 consecutive patients allografted because of leukemia. We have identified seven cases of donor cell leukemia; six were allografted because of relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia and one because of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria/aplastic anemia. These figures suggest that the real incidence of donor cell leukemia has been underestimated. The six patients with lymphoblastic donor cell leukemia were treated prospectively with a pediatric-inspired combined chemotherapy schedule designed for de novo acute leukemia. A complete response was obtained in three out of six patients with lymphoblastic donor cell leukemia. It is possible to obtain favorable responses in donor cell leukemia patients employing combined chemotherapy. The long-term donor cell leukemia survivors remain as full chimeras and have not needed a second transplant.

Primary thrombophilia in México X: a prospective study of the treatment of the sticky platelet syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: The sticky platelet syndrome (SPS) is a common cause of thrombosis. There are no prospective studies concerning treatment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze changes in platelet hyperaggregability of patients with SPS who were given antiplatelet drugs and to assess its association with rethrombosis. METHODS: A total of 55 patients with a history of thrombosis and SPS phenotype were prospectively studied before and after treatment with aspirin and/or clopidogrel. RESULTS: Patients were followed for 1 to 129 months, median 13. Of 55 patients, 40 received aspirin, 13 received aspirin + clopidogrel, and 2 received only clopidogrel. The platelet aggregation response to adenosine diphosphate and epinephrine significantly diminished after treatment, and only 2 patients developed rethrombosis 52 and 129 months after starting therapy, with the freedom from rethrombosis rate of the patients being 96.4% at 129 months. CONCLUSION: Using antiplatelet drugs, the platelet hyperreactivity of patients with the SPS phenotype was reverted; and this translated into a substantial decrease in the rethrombosis rate.

Poor performance of the total kappa/lambda light chain quantification in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard for paraproteinemia screening in plasma cell disorders has been serum protein electro- phoresis (SPE) with immunofixation electrophoresis (IFx); serum total and free light chain quantifications have also been used. OBJECTIVE: To define the role of SPE, IFx and serum total light chain (sLC) determinations in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), both at diagnosis and at maximum response during treatment follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: These serological studies were performed in a group of 62 patients with MM at diagnosis, and in a subset of 29 patients at the point of maximum response to treatment. RESULTS: At diagnosis, we found an abnormal SPE in 58%, an abnormal IFx in 92% and an abnormal sLC in 45% of the 62 patients; 64% had simultaneously abnormal results in all three serological studies. IFx alone proved to be the most sensitive of all three assays, followed by SPE, which was redundant in most instances with sLC and IFx. At maximum response, the abnormal SPE normalized in 7 cases, the abnormal IFx in 7 cases and the abnormal sLC in 7 cases. There were 12 instances in which an abnormal IFx was found despite normal sLC, and one case in which a normal IFx was found in the presence of abnormal sLC. The association between IFx and sLC was highly significant (r = 0.9274611, p < 0.000001), despite instances where a positive result for IFx was associated to a normal sLC. CONCLUSION: All three serological methods should ideally be simultaneously performed in patients with MM both at diagnosis and throughout therapy. In this series, the total sLC assay was not more sensitive than IFx neither at diagnosis nor during follow-up.

Moderate hyperprolactinemia is associated with survival in patients with acute graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Fasting serum prolactin (PRL) levels in response to metoclopramide (MCP) and lymphocyte cytokine profiles was studied in patients given allografts and their donors. Thirty normoprolactinemic volunteers (12-59 years) were studied: group 1, 10 healthy men; group 2, 8 males and 2 females with various hematologic diseases; and group 3, 3 males and 7 females HLA-identical sibling donors: PRL and cytokines were measured. Four surviving recipients developed acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (+), and six did not. Before transplant Fasting PRL concentrations were higher in 'future' GVHD(+) recipients than in their donors (P < 0.001). The opposite was seen in response to MCP (P = 0.01). Donors had a predominant T-helper type 1 (Th1) cytokine profile compared with recipients (P ≤ 0.02), and GVHD(+) recipients had a greater tumor necrosis factor (TNF) value than GVHD(-) (P = 0.05). After transplant On days +30 and +100, a mild sustained rise in fasting PRL levels occurred only in GVHD(+) recipients (P ≤ 0.05) simultaneously with a transient rise in Th1 cytokines. GVHD(-) recipients had no changes. Donors with a Th1 cytokine profile might be more prone to induce GVHD in their recipients, and a mild sustained rise in PRL concentrations after transplantation in recipients GVHD(+) might participate in the amelioration of the severity of GVHD.

Donor cell leukemia.

Minimal residual disease refers to the tumour cells that are still present in a given patient after completion of a therapeutic scheme. The demonstration and quantification of residual neoplastic cells has a crucial impact in clinical decision making, for it might prompt continuation of treatment, while the absence of such cells might serve as evidence to withdraw therapy. Therefore, both sensitivity and specificity of the methods used to unravel residual neoplastic cells must be highly reliable and robust. Flow cytometry has been widely used for this purpose, and its clinical performance depends mainly on the criteria of interpretation, rather than in the technique by itself; molecular biology techniques have proved to be highly sensitive and specific but unfortunately they cannot be used in all patients or in all types of leukemia. Finally, the development of donor cell leukemia in transplanted patients, might mimic residual disease and add more confusion to an already controversial issue. These topics are discussed in this paper.

The flow-cytometric DNA content of the plasma cells of patients with multiple myeloma is a prognostic factor: a single institution experience.

The flow-cytometric DNA content in the plasma cells of patients with multiple myeloma has been studied as a prognostic factor and contrasting results have been found. In a group of 45 patients with myeloma from a single institution, the DNA content of the malignant plasma cells was studied by means of flow cytometry: no patients were found to have hypodiploid DNA content, 14 patients had hyperdiploid DNA, and 31 patients were found to have diploid DNA. The overall survival of patients with hyperdiploid DNA was better than that of patients with diploid DNA: 93% at 85 months and 79% at 89 months, respectively; in both groups, the median overall survival has not been reached. No correlation was found between the DNA content and the International Staging System and the discriminatory effect of the DNA content was apparent only in the patients who were not autografted. It is concluded that the flow-cytometric DNA content of the plasma cells of patients with multiple myeloma may be a prognostic factor independent of others already identified and that myeloma patients with hyperdiploid DNA content in the plasma cells may have a better prognosis than those with a normal DNA content.