Prognostic significance of serum monoclonal proteins based on immunofixation electrophoresis in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Ann Hematol. 2024 Apr;103(4):1261-1271. doi: 10.1007/s00277-023-05584-w. Epub 2023 Dec 20.

Abstract

The presence of serum monoclonal components has been associated with poor outcomes in various hematological malignancies. The current study focused on exploring its prognostic role in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Our study represented 314 patients with information on serum immunofixation electrophoresis at diagnosis that were available with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. IFE was positive in 61 patients (19%). Baseline features were comparable between pairs of groups, poor ECOG PS, B symptoms, advanced stage, and high-risk IPI score were significantly more frequent in the + IFE group. Shorter PFS and OS of B-NHL patients were observed in patients who presented at diagnosis with a + IFE, and IFE was the independent predictor of PFS and OS in multivariate analysis. Moreover, integrating IFE into the IPI-M1, IPI-M2, and IPI-M3 models improved the area under the curve for more accurate survival prediction and prognosis. Serum monoclonal proteins are significant prognostic indicators for newly diagnosed B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that can early identify patients with poor prognosis and guide clinical treatment decisions.

Keywords: B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma; Prognosis; Serum immunofixation electrophoresis; Serum monoclonal proteins; Survival.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Electrophoresis
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / pathology
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Prognosis
  • Retrospective Studies