Flow cytometry in the diagnosis and prognosis of multiple myeloma

Abstract

Multiparameter flow cytometry is an effective tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of plasma cell neoplasms such as multiple myeloma. This review focuses on how flow cytometry can be used to identify and characterize plasma cells. It discusses the immunophenotype of normal plasma cells and how this can be used to distinguish them from neoplastic plasma cells. The prognostic impact of particular immunophenotypic aberrancies is reviewed. Finally, it describes approaches to post-treatment monitoring myeloma by flow cytometry, including measurable residual disease detection and its impact on disease outcomes.