[lmydan]

M-spike in the Beta-2 region

by lmydan on Tue Oct 01, 2013 6:35 pm

Hi there,

I have IgG Lambda MGUS and my m-spike is found in the Beta-2 region on the serum protein electrophoresis test. My m-spike reporting has recently changed and a value is no longer given, it is now reported as the total Beta-2 (normal Beta-2 plus my m-spike). I know there is a problem with m-proteins found in this region and it is difficult to quantitate a value but is there any clinical significance? Am I at any more risk for progression? Are there other tests that could be done to come up with an exact number?

[WeatherNurse13]

Re: M-spike in the Beta-2 region

by WeatherNurse13 on Wed Oct 02, 2013 9:46 am

I have IGA kappa with the m-Spike found in the beta region. I don't know very much about this and would love to know more. Thanks for posting the question.

[dnalex]

Re: M-spike in the Beta-2 region

by dnalex on Wed Oct 02, 2013 1:53 pm

On a serum protein electrophoresis, there are normally five peaks, designated albumin, alpha1, alpha 2, beta (with two smaller bands, beta-1 and beta-2), and gamma, because on an electrophoresis gel, the proteins will migrate at different rates.

A representation of it looks like this

http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0101/afp20050101p105-f1.gif
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0101/p105.html

For many people, the M-spike is located in the gamma region in an SPEP, but for others, it could be in the beta, or alpha 2 regions. A spike in the beta region may indicate an IgA, IgM, or IgG. As in Gracie's case, it's an IgA.

You should always ask your physician for a complete explanation of any result that does make sense to you.

Good luck!

[Dr. Adam Cohen]

Re: M-spike in the Beta-2 region

by Dr. Adam Cohen on Wed Oct 02, 2013 5:26 pm

Different people's M-spikes can migrate within these different regions on the SPEP -- IgA is the one most commonly found in the beta region, but any type can be found there. It can sometimes make it harder to quantitate the M-spike when this happens, and we often will also look at the quantitative immunoglobulin levels (e.g. total IgG or IgA) to help us assess response in this setting. Other than this, however, it doesn't have any other clinical or prognostic significance, and is generally not a cause for concern.