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difference in m-spike readings
I was tested by my local oncologist on 4/17 and returned an m-spike of .3 the next day. I was pleased with this, since it represented a .1 drop from my previous test. I am tested monthly. On 4/30, I went to Moffitt Cancer Center and was tested at .7. This was not good news and has led to a change of treatment and preparation for an SCT. I am wondering if any other myeloma patient has experienced such a wide difference in a relatively short time? If so, can we explain the difference.
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blustein - Name: Richard Blustein
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: difference in m-spike readings
Hi Bluestein,
It is very difficult to compare lab results between different sites. It is really not recommended, as the technique, calibrations, sensitivity can vary from lab to lab.
When I was first tested in Sept by local oncologist my B2 was 2.3 later in Oct at a different site my B2 was 3.5..a ten fold plus increase!! ...aggressive
speeding ahead like Shinkansen!!
I was initially despondent, until I realized that it was from 2 different labs and could not be compared. Rather, than focus on the increase I knew that it may not have had such a jump and was just the difference between labs. I waited until I had a second reading from the same lab.
Also, when you had the drop, were both results done at the same lab?
If your insurance covers it, for peace of mind, you could have the test re-run with your local oncologist and you will likely find that you may not have such an increase.
It is very difficult to compare lab results between different sites. It is really not recommended, as the technique, calibrations, sensitivity can vary from lab to lab.
When I was first tested in Sept by local oncologist my B2 was 2.3 later in Oct at a different site my B2 was 3.5..a ten fold plus increase!! ...aggressive
speeding ahead like Shinkansen!!I was initially despondent, until I realized that it was from 2 different labs and could not be compared. Rather, than focus on the increase I knew that it may not have had such a jump and was just the difference between labs. I waited until I had a second reading from the same lab.
Also, when you had the drop, were both results done at the same lab?
If your insurance covers it, for peace of mind, you could have the test re-run with your local oncologist and you will likely find that you may not have such an increase.
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suzierose - Name: suzierose
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2 sept 2011
Re: difference in m-spike readings
Thanks for your quick response. Yes the drop was from the same lab.
To give you an example: My local results for the last 3 months are: April: 0.3 March: 0.4 Jan: 0.2 .
My 2 results from Moffitt have been: April 0.7 and Feb 0.4.
Thanks again for all responses.
To give you an example: My local results for the last 3 months are: April: 0.3 March: 0.4 Jan: 0.2 .
My 2 results from Moffitt have been: April 0.7 and Feb 0.4.
Thanks again for all responses.
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blustein - Name: Richard Blustein
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: difference in m-spike readings
Hi - I've been reading about the M spikes and have a question. Do all M spikes mean the same thing? For instance if you are Ig A or Ig G or Ig M - does a higher reading on one type imply a greater risk? I am Ig MGUS with an M spike of 1.5 and had a BMA in Jan. Before my appointment, I read about risk assoc with M spikes, but my oncologist (if I remember correctly - was so nervous) appeared to suggest that Ig MGUS tends to be higher and can sometimes vary per sample (can go up/down). Thanks, Diane
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dianem
Re: difference in m-spike readings
Hi, remember that about 15 to 20% of people with myeloma are light chain only like me---we don't have traditional "m-spikes" as one finds in the SPEP but we certainly have the same disease. Our disease is tracked by urine testing and the FLC assays and imaging like the PET scan, etc.
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terryl1 - Name: Terry
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: August 10, 2011
- Age at diagnosis: 49
Re: difference in m-spike readings
I am a 4 year breast cancer survivor and have recently had a m spike on my blood. I am trying to understand my lab results. I have gone from a 35 to a 27 in my m spike. I have not seen any numbers in this range and have become very concerned. Has anyone else received an numbers in this range? I am very concerned about the possibilities of bone cancer.
Re: difference in m-spike readings
Dear Melopat,
Regarding: [quote="melopat"]I am a 4 year breast cancer survivor and have recently had a m spike on my blood. I am trying to understand my lab results. I have gone from a 35 to a 27 in my m spike. I have not seen any numbers in this range and have become very concerned. Has anyone else received an numbers in this range? I am very concerned about the possibilities of bone cancer.[/quote]
What are the units of measure for these readings? M-Spike (aka paraprotein, M-Protein, etc) are often expressed as g/dL. Sounds like you may be looking at units that are expressed in g/L or mg/dL, which would mean that your numbers are appearing as 10x higher than what you may be usually seeing in this forum.
But more importantly, what is your doctor saying about the presence of any level of an M-Spike (a normal level is 0)?
Regarding: [quote="melopat"]I am a 4 year breast cancer survivor and have recently had a m spike on my blood. I am trying to understand my lab results. I have gone from a 35 to a 27 in my m spike. I have not seen any numbers in this range and have become very concerned. Has anyone else received an numbers in this range? I am very concerned about the possibilities of bone cancer.[/quote]
What are the units of measure for these readings? M-Spike (aka paraprotein, M-Protein, etc) are often expressed as g/dL. Sounds like you may be looking at units that are expressed in g/L or mg/dL, which would mean that your numbers are appearing as 10x higher than what you may be usually seeing in this forum.
But more importantly, what is your doctor saying about the presence of any level of an M-Spike (a normal level is 0)?
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Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
Re: difference in m-spike readings
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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Jansie
Re: difference in m-spike readings
I would be very curious to learn how high an M spike can go. My M spike was initially 3.2 and in two months while being tested and waiting it went up to 4.3. Is this fast.? I now have two rounds of CyBorD, hence its 1Am and I am up. My light chains went up too.
As for this breast cancer issue and the bone pain. When did this M spike show up and are they testing for multiple myeloma? My sister is stage 4 breast cancer and inoperable. She has a lot of back pain and the doctors want to put rods in her legs. I am concerned they are not looking for multiple myeloma or something else. Is breast cancer and multiple myeloma related in some way?
As for this breast cancer issue and the bone pain. When did this M spike show up and are they testing for multiple myeloma? My sister is stage 4 breast cancer and inoperable. She has a lot of back pain and the doctors want to put rods in her legs. I am concerned they are not looking for multiple myeloma or something else. Is breast cancer and multiple myeloma related in some way?
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kjpoppit - Name: Kim Nelson
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Sept. 19th, 2013
- Age at diagnosis: 47
Re: difference in m-spike readings
kjpoppit; My husband's m-spike got up to 9 (usa) pre-transplant.
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rumnting - Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 4/9/11
- Age at diagnosis: 54
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