Serial measurement of beta2 microglobulin, acute phase reactant proteins and the ESR in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Abstract

Long-term observation of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas indicates they can be sub-divided into two groups with respect to changes in the plasma proteins. The first group has acute phase reactant proteins raised during active disease and sometimes a raised B2m, whilst in remission the protein profile is normal. The second group is typified by a chronic elevation of B2m and ESR but has normal C-RP levels. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia usually has a raised B2 m level and normal acute phase proteins, a subset with low B2 m is described.