Serum levels of beta-2-microglobulin correlates with the stage of disease at diagnosis and survival. Levels can be useful in evaluating response to therapy, especially in patients with light chain disease.
Interpretation:
• Decision point for beta-2 microglobin varies in different studies.
|
Study |
Decision Level |
Survival |
|
Greipp (1985) |
> 4 µg/mL |
<= 12 months |
|
|
<= 4 µg/mL |
43 months |
|
Bataille (1983) |
> 6 µg/mL |
26 months |
|
|
<= 6 µg/mL |
52 months |
|
Barlogie (1989) |
< 4 µg/mL |
|
|
|
4 – 6 µg/mL |
|
|
|
> 6 µg/mL |
|
Limitations: Beta-2 microglobulin should not be used alone to monitor the course of disease, as there may be both false low and false high values.
Combination with Other Factors
|
serum beta-2 microglobulin |
serum albumin |
risk |
median survival |
|
< 6 µg/mL |
> 3 g/dL |
low |
55 months |
|
>= 6 µg/mL |
> 3 g/dL |
intermediate |
19 months |
|
NA |
<= 3 g/dL |
poor |
4 months |
|
serum beta-2 microglobulin |
serum creatinine |
risk |
median survival |
|
< 6 µg/mL |
< 2 mg/dL |
low |
52 months |
|
>= 6 µg/mL |
< 2 mg/dL |
intermediate |
18 months |
|
>= 6 µg/mL |
>=2 mg/dL |
poor |
5 months |
Specialty: Hematology Oncology
ICD-10: ,
