Malignant plasmacytes in bone marrow detected by flow cytometry as a predictor for the risk stratification system of multiple myeloma

Background Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal disorder characterized by the proliferation of plasma cells and their accumulation within the bone marrow (BM). The flow cytometric analysis is an essential method for the hematological diseases because of high sensitivity. Aims This study evaluates the indication role of malignant plasmacytes (PCs) in BM detected by flow cytometry for the risk stratification of MM. Methods Whole BM samples from 92 newly diagnosed MM patients were included in the study. We collected 10(6) cells each sample by flow cytometry. Then we analyzed the correlation between the malignant PCs in BM and the characteristics of patients. Results In this study, patients were stratified according to different baseline characteristics and the median ratio of the malignant PCs were compared. The significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) were: Hb < 100 g/L versus >= 100 g/L; beta 2-microglobulin 5.5 mg/dL; LDH > 250 U/L versus LDH 250 U/L; ISS I versus ISS II versus ISS III; R-ISS I versus II versus III. The detailed data are showed in Table 2. The significant correlations were observed between the malignant PCs in BM and (Figure 1): plasma cell of biopsy, hemoglobin, beta 2-microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine. "Double hit" or "triple hit" are defined as containing any two or three of the high risk cytogenetic abnormalities (t(4;14), t(14;16), t(14;20); del17q; TP53 mutation; 1q21 gain) by mSMAR. "Double or triple hit" had independently unfavorable significance for overall survival. As expected, the malignant PCs of "double or triple hit" group is significantly higher than the group B (one high risk genetic factor) and the group A (normal cytogenetic) (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.019). Conclusion Multiparametric flow cytometry is a highly sensitive method to identify and quantify malignant PCs. And the ratio of malignant PCs detected by MFC showed strongly correlation with the severity of the pathology of MM. Malignant PCs in BM detected by flow cytometry could be regarded as a predictor for the risk stratification system of MM. Thus, it should be considered applying in the routine evaluation of MM at diagnosis and after therapy.