[Benny]

0.01 g/dL change in M-spike - is it significant?

by Benny on Thu Jun 01, 2017 12:13 pm

Hi

I was diagnosed with IgG multiple myeloma in December, 2016. I started Velcade, Revlimid, and dexamethasone (VRD) treatment in a clinical trial. I just finished cycle 8 of 12 planned cycles.

My M-spike started at 7.2 g/dL (72 g/L) and had dropped to 0.04 g/dL.

Unfortunately, my latest lab value showed an increase in my M-spike to 0.05 g/dL.

Is the 0.01 g/dL increase in M-spike significant?

In other words: is it bad that it didn't go down as it has each cycle so far?

Obviously I will follow up with multiple myeloma specialist, but that wont be for a few weeks.

[Ron Harvot]

Re: 0.01 g/dL change in M-spike - is it significant?

by Ron Harvot on Fri Jun 02, 2017 11:39 am

We all stress over numbers, especially when newly diagnosed.

A change of 0.01 g/dL is, as I am sure you suspect, insignificant. Furthermore, a single test does not reveal much, as it could be a lab anomaly or some other factor. You need a series of tests to spot a trend.

So far your trend has been positive, and it would appear that you have experienced a very good partial response (VGPR). It is quite possible that you will go to -0- before all of the trial is finished, in which case it would be considered a complete response (CR). Even if you don't get to CR and stay in the 0.04-0.05 g/dL range, that is a very good result especially considering where you were.

Many patients have gone multiple years with small M-spikes without progressing. so don't fret this one test.

[Benny]

Re: 0.01 g/dL change in M-spike - is it significant?

by Benny on Fri Jun 02, 2017 5:48 pm

Super helpful! Thank you.