What causes plasma cell dyscrasias?

Plasma cell dyscrasias are a heterogeneous group of disorders caused by the monoclonal proliferation of lymphoplasmacytic cells in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma is the most serious and prevalent plasma cell dyscrasia, with a median age of onset of 60 years.

Do plasma cells express CD38?

CD38 is a glycoprotein with ectoenzymatic functions, which is expressed on plasma cells and other lymphoid and myeloid cell populations. Since its expression is very high and uniform on myeloma cells, CD38 is a good target for novel therapeutic strategies.

Are plasma cells CD38 positive?

The neoplastic plasma cells are positive for CD38, CD138 and CD79a. Lambda light chains, CD20 and CD43 are not expressed. There are only scattered CD3 positive T cells.

What is the treatment for plasma cell dyscrasia?

Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma involving the bone marrow and secreting monoclonal IgM. Treatment options include alkylating agents, nucleoside analogs and monoclonal antibodies, either alone or in combination.

What is a plasma cell dyscrasia?

Definition. Plasma cell dyscrasias are a monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells that produce a clonal immunoglobulin protein (i.e., monoclonal gammopathies or paraproteinemias). They are derived from malignant B lymphocytes. Common plasma cell dyscrasias include multiple myeloma and Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia.

What blood dyscrasias means?

Definition of blood dyscrasia : an abnormal condition or disease of the blood.

What cells are CD38 expressed on?

CD38 is expressed in many immune cell types, including bone marrow progenitors, natural killer cells, monocytes, and activated T- and B- lymphocytes [6].

What is CD38 a marker of?

CD38 is a multi-functional transmembrane protein that is a lymphocyte receptor and a clinical marker for survival of patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) [1-5].

How is plasma cell dyscrasia diagnosed?

Which tests are available to monitor plasma cell dyscrasias? Quantitative monoclonal protein tests are used to monitor response to therapy and disease progression. Quantitative tests include serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), serum free light chain (SFLC), and urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP)​ measurements.

How do you test for plasma cell dyscrasia?

What is an example of blood dyscrasia?

Examples of blood dyscrasias include anemias, cancers such as leukemias and lymphomas, conditions that cause the blood to clot or bleed too readily, and more.