[maryhosier]

Hevylite or FLC test - which is more important?

by maryhosier on Wed Apr 08, 2015 9:40 am

What test is more important when monitoring myeloma, the free light chain test or the Hevylite test?

My Hevylite test shows no monoclonal protein but my light chains ratio is still 95. Kappa is high and lambda is low.

How high can light chains get before they cause issues?

Thanks.

[Dr. Jason Valent]

Re: Hevylite or FLC test - which is more important?

by Dr. Jason Valent on Wed Apr 08, 2015 4:39 pm

As a disclaimer, we are not currently using the heavylite test so my experience is limited. However, with a light chain ratio of 95, this seems quite abnormal.

There are new criteria outlined by the International Myeloma Working Group that use a light chain ratio of over 100 as a criteria to start treatment for multiple myeloma. I have had patients that I have followed prior to this recommendation with light chain ratios over 100 who have remained stable. It would be important to know if the ratio is stable or increasing over time as well.

Hope this helps.

[Maryhosier]

Re: Hevylite or FLC test - which is more important?

by Maryhosier on Fri Apr 17, 2015 1:00 pm

My Kappa/Lambda ratio has fluctuated between between July 2, 2012 to the present. The highest ratio being 146.73 and the lowest abnormal ratio being 6.78 on July 2, 2012. I was diagnosed with IgG Kappa Myeloma January, 2011, had stem cell transplant, September, 2011.

My IgG Protein has never come back. When I was diagnosed, I was told I had a small spike in the IgA area as well as the IgG. Well after transplant I had numerous different bands show up and come and go.

Could the IgA and the other bands that showed up over the last couple of years been the reason my Kappa/Lamba ratio has been all over the place?

Thanks for your thoughts.
.