[blessthischick]

FLC ratio gradually becoming more deranged

by blessthischick on Wed Aug 13, 2014 5:21 pm

Hey guys

Just wondering if anyone out there knows what the significance of a worsening sFLC ratio is. Does this mean I am on the decline to active disease and, if so, how quick can this happen?

My ratio is now 0.017 from 0.018 last month and 0.02 in June. The very first value at smoldering myeloma diagnosis back in August last year was 0.026.

Kappa 6.04, lambda 342.3 last month and apparently not much different this month.

Sorry if this is a stupid question

Cheers for now x

[dnalex]

Re: FLC ratio gradually becoming more deranged

by dnalex on Thu Aug 14, 2014 12:54 am

Hello,

The numbers that you got back from the last several months are actually not that different from each each other (0.02 versus 0.018 and 0.017), and could simply be explained by the variations in the test itself as well as day to day variations in the amount of the free light chain proteins.

It appears that the kappa remains within normal range (assuming that it's 6.04 mg/L), so I would think that at least from those sets of numbers, I would not conclude much at this point, other than that there MIGHT be a very slight trend for the kappa/lambda ratio to be decreasing. Do your other test results remain the same/stable?

[blessthischick]

Re: FLC ratio gradually becoming more deranged

by blessthischick on Thu Aug 14, 2014 7:41 pm

Hello Dnalex & thanks for your reply

The kappa light chains have gradually decreased over the last year, hence the increase in abnormality in the ratio. My other parameters seem ok.

I am aware that the abnormal FLC ratio can indicate a higher risk for progression. I suppose what I am asking is in terms of being deranged, how deranged is this ratio and how much more deranged can it get? And have I still got some smoldering time left?

I have high risk genetics so seeing this ratio gradually decline is causing anxiety. I want to be prepared for the slippery slope if that is indeed what I am on.

I hope this makes sense to you guys ... I find it hard to articulate at times.

Hoping someone can shed some more light please?

Cheers for now x

[dnalex]

Re: FLC ratio gradually becoming more deranged

by dnalex on Thu Aug 14, 2014 9:09 pm

Hello

Have you asked your doctor?

I know that it's not at all unusual to worry over numbers (I do monthly), but at least from what can be seen, nothing really alarming seems to be jumping out.

[blessthischick]

Re: FLC ratio gradually becoming more deranged

by blessthischick on Sat Aug 16, 2014 7:05 am

Hi Dnalex

My doc agrees that it is becoming more abnormal, but the actual level of lambda light chains has not changed much and that is what he is most interested in.

Cheers for now