Value of CD81 and CD117 in Multiple Myeloma and Its Relation to Remission State

Abstract

Background: Plasma cell myeloma is a bone marrow malignancy characterized by the proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells associated with a serum M protein and symptoms linked to organ dysfunctions or lytic bone lesions. The flow cytometric immunophenotype plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of plasma cell disorders. Two markers, CD117 and CD81, have been used in diagnosis and prognosis, with some studies showing good prognosis for CD117 expression and poor prognosis for CD81 expression. Objectives: This study aimed to detect CD81 and CD117 in multiple myeloma patients, determine their relationship to remission states, and identify other prognostic factors. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 70 patients, with 50 newly diagnosed and 20 already deceased. Data was collected at diagnosis, including age, sex, serum protein electrophoresis, plasma cell number in bone marrow aspirate, Ca, urea, Hb, creatinine, albumin, and B2 microglobulin. A follow-up test assessed performance level based on the ECOG score, number of plasma cells in the bone marrow aspirate, serum protein electrophoresis, and an IMWG-based assessment of remission. Results: The study involved 58.26 male patients with a mean age of 58.26, with a mean disease duration of 15 months. Most patients had normal protein electrophoresis post-treatment, mostly in stage I, and most ended with complete remission. 71.4% tested positive for CD117, while 55.7% tested positive for CD81. Conclusion: The study found that CD117 and CD81 were positive in two-thirds of cases, but not in half due to factors like the sample size and the cost of flow cytometry in Iraq, and no significant relationship was found.