A temporal study on #betta#2-microglobulin as marker for diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma

The most important objective carried on, in the field of oncology has been the finding of new means to improve diagnosis and monitoring of neoplastic diseases. So we have chronobiologically studied the behaviour of #betta#2-microglobulin, in three groups of patients: Group A: 11 healthy subjects; Group B: 11 untreated patients with multiple myeloma and Group C: 11 multiple myeloma patients, after treatment with polychemoterapy. #betta#2-microglobulin, was assayed in serum obtained at six consecutive 4-hourly intervals, by radioimmunoassay, the levels and the various rhythm parameters were analyzed by ''Group mean cosinor'' test. The data suggest, that a circadian rhythm for #betta#2-microglobulin in the three groups is not detectable; but ''mesor test'' establishes significant differences (p<0.001). Practical application of the measurement of serum #betta#2-microglobulin, in diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma, is suggested