Flow Cytometric Immunophenotypic Analysis in the Diagnosis and Prognostication of Plasma Cell Neoplasms

Abstract

This review focuses on the roles of flow cytometric immunophenotyping has in the differential diagnosis of plasma cell neoplasms and the post-therapy monitoring of minimal (measurable) residual disease. The need to integrate flow cytometry data with clinical, laboratory, radiographic, morphological, and molecular genetic findings is emphasized. The challenges of and strategies for evaluating plasma cells in the setting of targeted therapy are also highlighted. © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society.