Beta 2 Microglobulin Testing

[Cave123]

Happy New Year Everyone !

How often should Beta 2 Microglobulin be tested ?

Is this something that fluctuates periodically or does it generally remain stable ?

Should it be assessed routinely ? i.e., each time you have your CBC ?

Thanks, CAVE

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

My B2M was checked 3 times, roughly annually, within the first 4 years of my watch and wait. It was stable and not checked again until I was in treatment, nearly 7 years later.

Neil

[Cave123 in reply to AussieNeil]

thanks Neil ! All the best

[EugeneL2]

In my case, I get tested annually, coinciding with my annual visit to MD Anderson. My Beta 2 Microglobulin has increased linearly over the last 7 years, with an R square of 0.9818. 1 is the perfect linear relationship.

beta2M over time

[Cave123 in reply to EugeneL2]

Interesting - thanks EugeneL2

[Vizilo]

Mine is tested every 3 months when I see my cll specialist. It was in the normal range for the first 2 years of w&w. Then increased to just above normal about 6 years ago. It’s stayed pretty stable at 2.5 mg/L (just above the 2.3 normal boundary) even for the last 2 years I’ve been on Acalabrutinib

It’s been part of CBC labs at the hospital cancer centre since I was diagnosed. Interestingly the few times I’ve had to rely on local private labs, I was told there was an extra charge ($50?) if performed outside a hospital. My cll specialist was not too concerned about seeing this number every visit so I pass on this test the odd time I can’t have it done at the cancer centre.

Certainly B2M has never been discussed during any of my visits with the cll specialist in the 8 years I’ve met with him. Interestingly, the oncologist at my local hospital has never checked my B2M.

[Cave123 in reply to Vizilo]

Thanks Vizilo - good to know. I've only tested mine once, within normal range, it was at my request, and the lab did not charge for it - it does not appear to be included in my routine CBC so I will request it periodically for monitoring. All the best, CAVE