Purpose: To evaluate the role of serum beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M) in the prognosis of patients with Hodgkin's disease.
Patients and methods: One hundred sixty previously untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease had serum beta 2M levels determined before initiation of treatment. Serum beta 2M was tested for its correlation with known prognostic factors for patients with Hodgkin's disease. These variables, including beta 2M, were correlated with complete remission (CR) rate and time to treatment failure (TTF). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.
Results: Serum beta 2M 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 beta 2M 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 beta 2M appears to correlate with tumor stage in patients with Hodgkin's disease and elevated serum levels of this polypeptide predict a less favorable prognosis.