Serum beta-2 microglobulin in malignant lymphomas: An old but powerful prognostic factor

Changhoon Yoo, Dok Hyun Yoon, Cheolwon Suh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

Beta-2 microglobulin is synthesized in all nucleated cells and forms the light chain subunit of the major histocompatibility complex class I antigen. Despite its potential role as a convenient and non-invasive prognostic indicator in malignant lymphomas, the influence of serum ß2 microglobulin is currently underestimated, and therapeutic decision making is rarely affected by this marker. Recent studies that included relatively large numbers of patients with specific histologic subtypes showed that serum ß2 microglobulin is a potent prognostic marker in malignant lymphomas. In follicular lymphoma, this effort led to the incorporation of serum ß2 microglobulin as an indicator in a new prognostic model. In this review, we summarize the current evidence supporting the role of serum ß2 microglobulin as a prognostic factor in patients with malignant lymphoma and discuss perspectives for future investigations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)148-153
Number of pages6
JournalBlood Research
Volume49
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2014 Korean Society of Hematology.

Keywords

  • Beta-2 microglobulin
  • Lymphoma
  • Prognostic factor

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