[Kansas]

Lab discrepancies

by Kansas on Thu Mar 17, 2011 10:19 pm

Which one to believe - it's no wonder we all feel like we are on a bad roller coaster ride. Rex had transplant late October - transplant labs prior to transplant showed no paraprotein (in fact flow sheet had sCR1) - transplant center labs in late February also showed no paraprotein....however, treating oncology center labs showed .2 M spike prior to transplant and .2 M spike as early as 2 weeks ago. So now we go from planning to monitor every month to low dose of Revlimid!!!! I've not seen this in previous discussions, so would like to know if others have experienced. Thanks Rex and Kay

[Myeloma_Doc]

Re: Lab discrepancies

by Myeloma_Doc on Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:47 pm

Dear Rex and Kay:

Your experience is not unusual. The method of detection and measurement of the M-protein is unfortunately not exact, and prone to some error, especially for IgA proteins. In some ways, the free light chain levels are a better and more accurate measurement, because they are directly derived. Revlimid maintenance would probably be the right way to go whether there was a CR or not, however.

Best wishes

Myeloma_Doc

[NStewart]

Re: Lab discrepancies

by NStewart on Mon Mar 21, 2011 7:14 pm

According to my lab results, I went into transplant a year ago with a .3 M-spike and came out of the transplant with a .3 M-spike. My test results didn't begin to normalize until about 7-8 months post transplant. That's also when the paraprotein became undetectable. As of my last panel of blood tests it still remains undetectable 5 months later. My oncologist started me on the maintenance dose of Revlimid at 100 days post transplant, but stopped it a week later secondary to some nasty side effects.

My body has always been slow to process things. But, once it has processed the results tend to be dramatic.

Nancy

[Kansas]

Re: Lab discrepancies

by Kansas on Mon Mar 21, 2011 8:01 pm

Nancy, I remember you saying that your numbers didn't improve until further down the road - maybe we will have those results later with the lab that is still detecting the M spike.
Doc - we monitor the light chain ratio also - and it did improve to the normal range (during initial therapy) - so that is a blessing.
Thanks to both of you for your comments. Kay