Abstract 5306: Microparticles as novel prognostic markers in multiple myeloma

Introduction: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological malignancy affecting plasma cells marked by highly heterogeneous survival rates and confinement of the disease to bone marrow (BM). Relapse is a significant impediment in the clinical setting and the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) to therapy is the main cause of relapse. Currently, risk stratification to MM sub-groups and categorization of complete response to therapy are established on molecular and cytogenetic markers using bone marrow biopsies. We are exploring the clinical significance of plasma cell derived microparticles as a novel prognostic indicator in MM. Materials and Methods: We have analysed 79 de-identified MM patients and 24 normal subjects. Platelet free plasma was centrifuged and plasma cell derived MPs were identified and quantified by flow cytometry using Annexin V450, CD138 APC, anti-P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-FITC (17F9) in BD TruCount tubes. Platelet derived MPs were excluded from the analysis using CD41a-PE. All patient samples were compared to age-matched healthy volunteers. Western blot analysis was conducted on MP lysates probing for the presence of Lung-Resistance related Protein (LRP) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Morphology and the size of MP fraction from MM patients were investigated using scanning electron micrographs Results: The number of systemic MPs and CD138+MPs were found to be significantly higher in MM patient samples compared to the healthy volunteers. MDR markers (LR...
Source: Cancer Research - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Clinical Research (Excluding Clinical Trials) Source Type: research