Prognostic Value of B Cell Maturation Antigen among Multiple Myeloma Patients

Background: The course of multiple myeloma (MM) varies among cases; some may not show any symptoms for years, while others may experience rapid disease progression despite therapies. MM is a B-cell malignancy of terminally developed plasma cells derived from bone marrow (BM). The quantity of monoclonal immunoglobulins (Ig) produced by these clonal cells is high. Objectives: The present work aims to investigate B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) as an early predictor of MM cases outcome. In addition, to determine the relationship of BCMA levels to progression free survival among MM cases. Subjects and methods: This prospective cohort investigation included 50 cases diagnosed with multiple myeloma and underwent novel chemotherapy as bortezomib and/or immunomodulators. All cases were subjected to full history, clinical and laboratory assessment and fundus examination were done. Radiological studies include skeletal surveys. Special investigations included B-cell Maturation antigen using ELISA. Results: BCMA was higher among patients who showed complete response compared to those who showed partial response with slight remarkable variance (p=0.046). There was a notable difference between response regarding anemia and hypercalcemia (p=0.01). Meanwhile, BCMA yielded significance (p=0.045) in predicting complete response level at cutoff level >2245 in predicting complete response with sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 83.3%. Conclusion: BCMA yielded significance in predicting complete response level at cutoff level >2245 in predicting complete response with sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 83.3%. It could aid in improved risk classification and more customized clinical care, improving therapeutic outcomes and elevating the life expectancy of MM patients.