An expanded cytotoxic/memory T-cell subpopulation expressing low levels
of the B-cell-specific CD20 molecule was found in peripheral blood and
bone marrow of patients with multiple myeloma at the time of diagnosis,
but returned to normal levels following treatment. CD3(+) CD20(dim)
cells were also increased in monoclonal gammopathy of unknown
significance albeit at lower levels. Lower CD3(+) CD20(dim) cell numbers
at baseline may be associated with lack of response to treatment and a
poor outcome. Because expansion of these T cells may be related to
disease status, further studies should investigate their potentially
unique function in plasma cell dyscrasias
