Bone marrow immunohistology of plasma cell neoplasms

Abstract

The application of immunohistology to the spectrum of plasma cell disorders has yet to be incorporated widely into routine haematology practice. This technique enables the direct visualisation of specific surface and cytoplasmic antigens in the context of the individual cell and the surrounding anatomical neighbourhood. This review outlines the role of bone marrow immunohistology in the laboratory evaluation of patients with suspected and established plasma cell neoplasms and its emerging role in understanding myeloma biology for possible future therapeutic application.