Prognostic value of the expression of CD27 and CD117 in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictive relevance of CD27 and CD117 expression and the prognostic value in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 160 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital (2016-2023), evaluating CD27 (TNF receptor family member regulating plasma cell differentiation) and CD117 (c-KIT proto-oncogene product mediating hematopoietic cell survival) expression patterns via pretreatment flow cytometry. Patients were stratified by CD27/CD117 membrane positivity to assess their combined prognostic significance on disease progression, with survival outcomes tracked through standardized clinical surveillance protocols.

Results: The CD27 negative cohort demonstrated severe disease burden, evidenced by elevated β2-MG, increased bone marrow plasma cell infiltration, reduced hemoglobin levels, percentage of high ISS III. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that CD27 positive cohort showing significantly prolonged median PFS versus CD27 negative counterparts (78 vs. 33 months, P = 0.0078). While CD117 alone lacked prognostic significance, combined CD27(+)CD117(+) status was associated with superior PFS (P = 0.0041 vs. subgroups), earlier ISS\MASS staging (P = 0.005, P = 0.021), deeper therapeutic remission rates(Protease inhibitor-based therapy, P = 0.009), and lower frequency of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities compared to all other combinations, and particularly outperforming CD27(-)CD117(-) patients. Among CD27-expressing patients, CD117 positive patients had better survival performance (P = 0.0424). Multivariate Cox regression confirmed CD27 positivity as an independent protective factor (HR 0.50, P = 0.009) and thrombocytopenia (PLT < 150 × 10⁹/L) as a risk predictor (HR 2.28, P = 0.002), both maintaining significance after adjusting for conventional parameters.

Conclusion: CD27 positive patients have a better prognosis, and the combination of CD27 and CD117 allows refined prognostic risk stratification of MM patients. The expression of CD27 and CD117 is associated with improved prognosis.