[Multibilly]

Re: difference in m-spike readings

by Multibilly on Sun Dec 01, 2013 5:55 pm

Jansie wrote:

I gather then that an M Spike of 15 would be considered really high? Is the normal 0? How high can it go? This is in Canada so maybe different norms here?
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Again, units of measure is everything here. Look at your lab results or ask your doc what units of measure are being used. The units of measure don't just vary from country to country, but also from lab to lab in any given country.

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: difference in m-spike readings

by Nancy Shamanna on Sun Dec 01, 2013 7:03 pm

Hi Jansie, I think that a reading of 15 for M protein in Canada is equivalent to a reading of 1.5 in the US. The normal for M protein would be zero, since it is an abnormal amount of protein all from one type of antibody that causes a distinct band of protein on protein electrophoresis tests. But many myeloma patients have a low level of M protein, which they manage to live with! Whether or not your level of protein is high enough to initiate treatment would be something to discuss with your oncologist. Are you currently being treated for myeloma?

[Jansie]

Re: difference in m-spike readings

by Jansie on Mon Dec 02, 2013 9:33 pm

Hi Nancy,

It is my husband who has Myeloma . He had ASCT in July 2011 and had been drug free since except for Pamidronate.
In Aug he started experiencing severe back pain and his IgG levels had been gradually rising so he had radiation to his back with really good results and started on Rev/Dex. His hematologist had only been tracking IgG levels(?) so we requested an M spike assessment and the result was 15 which kind of freaked me out but I think you are right and that is comparable to 1.5 in USA...now that we have a baseline for the M spike we will continue to track it.. IgG is falling slowly.
Thanks for your interest.

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: difference in m-spike readings

by Nancy Shamanna on Mon Dec 02, 2013 10:13 pm

Hi Jansie, thanks for sharing that! It must be nerve wracking waiting for the 'm' level to change over time. I am also being monitored with the SPEP, but as well the 'serum free light chain' testing, as well as a raft of other blood tests. That is done every 2-3 months here, for my situation.

[Jansie]

Re: difference in m-spike readings

by Jansie on Tue Dec 03, 2013 5:54 pm

Thanks, Nancy..maybe we should be asking for the serum free light chains as well. He has just been getting complete blood count plus immunofixation to track the IgG..Now SPEP has been added because we requested it. No urine testing. So, it's a little confusing to me re what tests he should be getting to accurately monitor the effects of the rev/dex.
Thanks again.