Plasma Cell Neoplasms

doi:10.1017/9781009397797.008

Chapter 8 - Plasma Cell Neoplasms

from Section 1 - Mature B-cell and Plasma Cell Neoplasms

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 May 2026

Andrés E. Quesada and

Pei Lin

Edited by

Wei Wang and

Sa A. Wang

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Wei Wang: Affiliation:
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Sa A. Wang: Affiliation:
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

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Summary

Neoplasms derived from plasma cells are collectively termed plasma cell neoplasms (PCNs), the most notable of which is multiple myeloma. Neoplastic plasma cells in PCNs have distinct immunophenotypes that differ from normal plasma cells and those associated with B-cell lymphoma. Thus flow cytometry can be used to identify aberrant plasma cells to facilitate diagnosis and to monitor treatment response, such as minimal residual (measurable) disease. In addition, flow cytometry is instrumental in differentiating plasma cell neoplasms from B-cell lymphomas with plasmacytic differentiation, such as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma or marginal zone lymphoma. This distinction is of critical importance in terms of clinical treatment and prognosis. This chapter focuses on the applications of flow cytometry in characterizing the immunophenotypic features of plasma cell neoplasms and their key distinctions from B-cell lymphomas and other diagnostic challenges.

Keywords

plasma cell neoplasm multiple myeloma plasma cell myeloma immunophenotype flow cytometry

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Flow Cytometry in Hematolymphoid Neoplasms
A Comprehensive and Practical Guide to Diagnosis
, pp. 76 - 84
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009397797.008 [Opens in a new window]
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2026

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