Utilidad del cariotipo y la citometría de flujo en el mieloma múltiple

Introduction: Multiple myeloma has an approximate incidence of 3.5 to 6 cases per 100 000 people per year, being the second most common hematological neoplasm, representing more than 10 % cases of hematological malignancies. Objective: To review the main genetic patterns of multiple myeloma through multiparametric flow cytometry and karyotype, highlighting its advantages and disadvantages. Methods: An exhaustive literature review was conducted from September 2017 to March 2018 in databases such as Medline, Science Direct, Lilacs and Embase, in English and Spanish, with the MeSH terms search: multiple myeloma, flow cytometry, karyotype, genetics, diagnosis. Results: Although there are other diagnostic methods used in multiple myeloma, multiparametric flow cytometry and karyotype are still the most used. Conclusion: Multiparametric flow cytometry is a pillar in the immunophenotyping and monitoring of hematological neoplasms, together with the patient's clinical, paraclinical results and morphological evaluation of the blood, as well as being part of the initial evaluation due to the ability to provide conclusive results in a short time.