@Article{Balcerska2003,
journal="Contemporary Oncology/Współczesna Onkologia",
issn="1428-2526",
volume="7",
number="5",
year="2003",
title="Clinical significance of serum \β2-Microglobulin determination in neoplastic disease of adults and children",
abstract="\β2-Microglobulin (\β2-M) is a low molecular weight protein that constitutes the light chain of the class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC). It is present on the cell surface of most nucleated cells (mainly lymphocytes T, B and macrophages) and the membrane turnover is the principal source of \β2-M in blood and body fluids. It has been widely used as a nephrological and immunological diagnostic tool. Its significance as a tumour marker helpful in diagnostics and neoplasms\’ activity assessment has not been defined yet.  Elevated serum levels of \β2-M have been stated in adult patients with several types of lymphoproliferative disorders, such as multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin\’s and Hodgkin\’s lymphomas, B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and adult T-cell leukemia. To the contrary, the clinical usefulness of \β2-M determination in most malignant solid tumors in adults seems to be rather limited. The paper presents up-to-date knowledge concerning the structure, biological function and significance of serum \β2-Microglobulin estimation in different malignant disorders. The diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring role of \β2-M determination among oncological patients has been analysed. Since there have been no reports considering the role of serum \β2-M in children with cancer, we have discussed the results of our own studies on clinical significance of \β2-microglobulin in diagnostics and treatment monitoring in children suffering from neoplastic disease.",
author="Balcerska, Anna
and Bień, Ewa",
pages="333--338",
url="https://www.termedia.pl/Clinical-significance-of-serum-946-2-Microglobulin-determination-in-neoplastic-disease-of-adults-and-children,3,1732,1,1.html"
}