Evelyn Graham, MT(ASCP)

Dr. dr. Lyana Setiawan, Sp.PK(K)

Lecture Abstract

The lymphoid cells are a family of immune cells with important roles in both innate and adaptive immune responses to micro-organisms. They consist of B-cells, T-cells and natural killer cells. Lymphocytes develop in the thymus and bone marrow, and then migrate to the peripheral lymphoid organs, where they will encounter foreign antigens. The activation of B lymphocytes through antigen encounter allows their differentiation into memory B cells and antibody-secreting plasma cells. The memory B cells have the capacity of rapidly activating and differentiating into plasma cells upon re-exposure to the same antigen. Plasma cell dyscrasia refers to a heterogenous group of disorders characterised by the monoclonal expansion of plasma cells that produce monoclonal immunoglobulins. Multiple myeloma is the most common form of plasma cell dyscrasia.

In this webinar, Ms Evelyn Graham will discuss the immunobiology of lymphoid cells and the immunopathology of plasma cell dyscrasia. She will emphasise the importance of morphology, basic and advanced haematology parameters as well as ancillary testing in the diagnosis and management of plasma cell dyscrasia. Dr. dr. Lyana Setiawan will then provide a clinical bridge by discussing real-life case studies, stressing on the importance of a comprehensive evaluation that starts with basic haematology parameters and morphology to flow cytometry and molecular investigations.