β <sub>2</sub>- microglobulin as a prognostic factor at chronic lymphocytic leukemia
The findings of determining β <sub>2</sub>- MG level in the blood serum of 87 patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (BCCLL) during the treatment using standard protocol FC (Fluda-rabine + Cyclophosphamide) or FC-R (Fludarabine + Cyclophosphamide + Rituximab) are presented. It was proven that blood serum β <sub>2</sub>- MG is an independent marker of the malignant course and the rate of BCCLL progress. It is also a prognostic criterion of response to CT and treatment efficacy. The lower is β <sub>2</sub>- MG level at the moment of the disease diagnosis; the higher is the probability of remission. Reduction of β <sub>2</sub>- MG after CT completion to its normal values, as a rule, corresponds to the presence of remission. Absence of its normal concentration after the end of the treatment predicts further progress of the disease in the nearest future.