[Analysis of serum levels of Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and multiple myeloma].

Background: Several recent studies aim at the detection of biological parameters that enable more precise diagnostics and stratification of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM). The objective of our study was to assess the potential contribution of serum levels of Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) in MGUS and MM from the point of more specific differentiation of both conditions, and the relationship of DKK-1 to selected laboratory parameters, individual forms and clinical stages of both conditions.

Methods And Results: The analyzed cohort consisted of 46 individuals with MGUS and 152 patients with MM at the time of diagnosis.

[Bortezomib-based therapy in patients with light chain deposition disease].

Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a rare systemic condition caused by monoclonal proliferation of terminally differentiated B-lymphocytes with production of free light chains and their deposition in kidneys or other organs. The aim of our study is to show the pitfalls of the diagnostics, and to demonstrate the effect of bortezomib-based therapy on a series of 4 patients with LCDD, from the point of hematological and organ therapeutic response. We include that bortezomib based treatment provides rapid and effective hematological response.

The relationship between some soluble osteogenic markers, angiogenic cytokines/other biological parameters and the stages of multiple myeloma evaluated according to the Durie-Salmon and International Prognostic Index stratification systems.

Background: The aim of the present paper was to examine the correlation between serum concentrations of 12 soluble biological markers and stages of myeloma evaluated according to the Durie-Salmon (D-S) and International Prognostic Index (IPI) stratification systems.

Methods: We analyzed a non-pretreated group of 179 patients with MM stratified according to D-S and IPI. Serum levels of soluble biological markers were evaluated using ELISA, REA and quantitative sandwich enzymatic immunoassays.