[Biochemical and immunological findings of multiple myeloma].

Biochemical and immunological findings of multiple myeloma are reviewed. Rate of abnormal data of biochemical markers in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), asymptomatic myeloma and symptomatic myeloma are reported. Serum albumin, beta2-microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, serum calcium and creatinine are prognostic factors. Free light chain (FLC) assay is useful for monitoring of intact immunoglobulin myeloma as well as nonsecretory and light chain only myeloma. In MGUS, serum FLC ratio is an independent risk factor for progression. Phenotypic analysis of plasma cells is useful for differential diagnosis and understanding of proliferative state in multiple myeloma.