Serum beta-2 microglobulin in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Serum-beta-2-microglobulin was measured by radioimmunoassay in 25 patients with chronic lymphocellular leukaemia in stages III-IV according to the Rai classification. A significant positive correlation was found between the absolute lymphocyte count and the serum-beta-2-microglobulin level. No similar relationship was observed between the score indicative of organ infiltration and the beta-2-microglobulin valve. On the evidence of the results, the increased production of beta-2-microglobulin is attributed in the first place to the circulating lymphocytes. The assay has been found to provide a reliable indicator, suitable for the monitoring and evaluation of therapy.