[Stefani]

Kappa/Lambda Ratio and IgG after Transplant

by Stefani on Thu Mar 08, 2012 5:47 pm

Hi All-

I have a question regarding light chains after transplant. I am IgG Lambda and am 57 days post transplant. My doctor has been testing the M-Spike every 2-3 weeks. Prior to transplant my M-Spike was 0.3 and 2 weeks ago was 0.2 g/dl. Per the latest tests my Kappa and Lambda values are now in the normal range but my Kappa/Lambda ratio is showing slightly outside the normal range. Prior to transplant my Lambda was within normal range but my kappa was slightly under the normal range and ratio outside the normal range. I have also seen an increase in the IgG. Two weeks ago it was below the normal range and is now in the mid 700's.

My question is, are all these fluctuations normal? Will my light chains and IgG eventually normalize or should I consider these increases a sign of relapse? My biggest fear is that my myeloma did not respond to transplant.

Thank you for your suggestions.

[ninja performance]

Re: Kappa/Lambda Ratio and IgG after Transplant

by ninja performance on Thu Mar 08, 2012 7:06 pm

From everything I have read, numbers are normally not at their lowest until about day 100 post transplant.

-Chris

[NStewart]

Re: Kappa/Lambda Ratio and IgG after Transplant

by NStewart on Sat Mar 10, 2012 6:07 pm

Stefani-
My m-spike didn't change from pre-transplant levels until about 6 months post transplant. All of my other numbers took about 2-3 months more before they stabilized and were all in the normal range. Take a deep breath and relax. Your body just went through a major assault by the Melphalan and needs time to recover and find its way again. Let your doctor do the worrying right now. You work on feeling better and getting back to your life.
Nancy

[Stefani]

Re: Kappa/Lambda Ratio and IgG after Transplant

by Stefani on Tue Mar 13, 2012 11:29 am

Thank you Chris and Nancy! I know I should not worry too much. It is just worrisome as I have read that the light chains have a short life (6 hours) and therefore are a real-time picture of what is currently going on in the body and according to tests there might still be myeloma. I am hoping my tests normalize within the next couple of months.

Thank you again for your responses...and the peace of mind. I will stop reading and concentrate on recovering from transplant!

Wishing you both lots of blessings!
-Stefani

[ninja performance]

Re: Kappa/Lambda Ratio and IgG after Transplant

by ninja performance on Tue Mar 13, 2012 11:41 am

In all honesty, I will be starting my transplant in the next month and even though I know better I will also worry about the early tests. So you are not alone.

-Chris

[GaryH]

Re: Kappa/Lambda Ratio and IgG after Transplant

by GaryH on Sat Mar 17, 2012 11:33 am

I just received my K/L results from Feb. After being on pomalidomide for 3/4 year, the ratio has finally come down into the normal range. Great news!! although the Dr. did say that it doesn't necessarily mean that I'm normal!!!

[suzierose]

Re: Kappa/Lambda Ratio and IgG after Transplant

by suzierose on Sat Mar 17, 2012 12:15 pm

Hey Gary!

Look at the upside though...you are not progressing. Recall, multiple myeloma therapy is aimed at preventing CRAB not curing...and from that clinical objective you are doing WELL...those light chains can cause significant kidney damage. You have diminished the likelihood of renal damage.

But alas, multiple myeloma is not eradicated.

You seem to be one of the survivors though looks like you have been going strong for over 15 years now ...what a milestone.