[hopeful27]

B2 microglobulin significance post diagnosis?

by hopeful27 on Tue Oct 21, 2014 9:40 am

Does the beta-2 microglobulin value have any significance after diagnosis? Our doctor said it doesn't really affect anything but the initial prognosis, but then why does he test it?

[Dr. James Hoffman]

Re: B2 microglobulin significance post diagnosis?

by Dr. James Hoffman on Tue Oct 21, 2014 10:55 am

Beta-2 microglobulin only has validated use as part of initial ISS [International Staging System] staging. I do not routinely follow it thereafter. It tends to be a sensitive marker of subtle kidney dysfunction, but, again, following it over time does not offer any clinical value in my opinion.

In medicine at large, there is a push to avoid unneeded testing, which carries associated cost... You can probably bring this up with your doctor (in a constructive manner!).