B2M, a known prognostic factor in multiple myeloma and reflects tumor burden and turnover. Few clinical studies have shown B2M to have prognostic relevance in AML. The study was planned to evaluate the status of B2M in patients of AML before and after chemotherapy. 30 newly diagnosed cases of AML & 30 age and sex matched healthy controls were taken. AML patients were treated with combination chemotherapy of cytarabine and an anthracycline. Routine biochemistry, complete hemogram, serum B2M were performed in newly diagnosed patients before treatment and in controls. The investigations were repeated at first complete remission or after 4 weeks of chemotherapy (whichever is earlier). B2M were measured by ELISA. 60% patients achieved remission, 26.7% did not achieve remission and 13.3% expired. Baseline B2M levels were significantly raised in AML patients (B2M:1.76±0.95µg/mL vs 0.99±0.67µg/mL, p=0.004). B2M levels at diagnosis were significantly higher in patients who expired than patients who achieved remission (p=0.034). B2M levels were significantly correlated with known prognostic factors; total leucocyte count and blast count in peripheral blood (p=0.001 & 0.001).B2M levels decreased significantly after chemotherapy only in remission group (p=0.015). Serum B2M levels have prognostic value in AML patients. Studies are required in larger number of patients.

No abstract