Paraprotein and beta2-microglobulin analyses in multiple myeloma--do we need to monitor both?

: The relationship between serum paraprotein and beta2-microglobulin (B2m) levels was studied in serial samples from 41 patients with myeloma. A positive correlation coefficient was found in 70.7% of myeloma patients indicating that no extra information was gained from measuring both analytes routinely. As a result, the workload for B2m fell without any diminution in clinical service.