Professional
Technical
IVT
beta-2 microglobulin
Pronunciation: BAY-tah-two MY-crow-glob-you-lin
A protein marker used for prognosis and staging in various hematologic malignancies.
Full Definition
Beta-2 microglobulin (β2M) is a small protein found on the surface of nucleated cells that is released into the bloodstream. Elevated levels correlate with increased cell turnover, kidney dysfunction, or both. In hematologic oncology, β2M serves as an important prognostic marker in multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and lymphomas. It is incorporated into staging systems like the International Staging System for myeloma, where higher levels indicate worse prognosis and more advanced disease.
Usage
Usage note: May be abbreviated as β2M or B2M; use consistent notation throughout documents.
In Context
- "The patient's beta-2 microglobulin level of 8.5 mg/L placed them in ISS stage III." — Staging assessment
- "Serial beta-2 microglobulin measurements can monitor disease progression." — Monitoring protocol
Also known as
β2M
B2M
Don't confuse with
albumin
C-reactive protein