[cassie]

IgA type multiple myeloma

by cassie on Fri Aug 26, 2011 9:16 am

Is IgA multiple myeloma a higher risk type? What does this mean? Is it the same type of high risk expressed by chromosome results from FISH assessments? Sorry lots of questions but husband just finished 6 months chemo with IgA multiple myeloma and onc says may be quicker remission with this. I read somewhere that these days IgA is no longer the problem it used to be. Glad of any clarification on this.

[Dr. Peter Voorhees]

Re: IgA type multiple myeloma

by Dr. Peter Voorhees on Mon Aug 29, 2011 9:44 am

Dear Cassie,

You are correct. The type of antibody produced by the myeloma (also called the isotype -- IgG vs. IgA vs. kappa or lambda light chains) does not have the same adverse impact on outcomes as it once did. Other factors, such as chromosome studies (FISH testing and conventional cytogenetics), international stage, and gene expression profile are more relevant to prognosis in the modern era of myeloma therapy. An IgA myeloma patient should fare similarly to an IgG myeloma patient with the same stage and chromosome profile.

I hope this helps and good luck!

Pete V.

[cassie]

Re: IgA type multiple myeloma

by cassie on Tue Aug 30, 2011 2:10 am

Thank you so much for your reply and reassuring me that I had not imagined that IgA was less significant in modern multiple myeloma! It is comforting to know that we are all now on a more equal footing with this complex disease.