PROGNOSTIC ROLE OF SERUM BETA(2)-MICROGLOBULIN IN HODGKINS-DISEASE

Purpose: To evaluate the role of serum β2-microglobulin (β2M) in the prognosis of patients with Hodgkin's disease. Patients and Methods: One hundred sixty previously untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease had serum β2M levels determined before initiation of treatment. Serum β2M was tested for its correlation with known prognostic factors for patients with Hodgkin's disease. These variables, including β2M, were correlated with complete remission (CR) rate and time to treatment failure (TTF). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Serum β2M levels greater than 2.5 mg/L were found in 29% of patients. Such elevation was more common in patients with more advanced-stage disease. Elevated serum β2M was an independent and powerful factor in the prediction of lower response rate and shorter TTF. Its impact appeared to be more significant in patients with advanced disease. Conclusion: Serum β2M appears to correlate with tumor stage in patients with Hodgkin's disease and elevated serum levels of this polypeptide predict a less favorable prognosis.