Hi,
I am new to this forum. I have been seeing an oncologist / hematologist for about 4 years. Recently my kappa light chain has become elevated in my last three visits. The number is 79.0 and has increased from 59.0 in the past 6 months. This physician states that he wanted to see me in 3 months. He stated that I do not have a diagnosis of multiple myeloma at this point, he just wants to watch closely. He stated that if it continues to rise, he would want to treat with chemotherapy.
I am trying to get my head around all of these numbers and educate myself. Any information or insight and support would be appreciated.
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Re: Meaning of high kappa light chain number?
Welcome to the forum!
All the blood test result numbers are very complicated and overwhelming. Your hem/onc is looking at various results and you also want to talk to him/her about the interpretation of your paraprotein, kappa/lambda ratio, immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM), beta 2 microglobulin, and gamma globulin.
Other blood test results are important beyond the usual RBC and WBC - like hemoglobin, BUN, creatinine, calcium, A/G ratio. You are looking for his/her interpretations outside of the normal range.
A bone marrow biopsy with FISH analysis and skeletal X-ray are helpful for a better interpretation.
All the blood test result numbers are very complicated and overwhelming. Your hem/onc is looking at various results and you also want to talk to him/her about the interpretation of your paraprotein, kappa/lambda ratio, immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM), beta 2 microglobulin, and gamma globulin.
Other blood test results are important beyond the usual RBC and WBC - like hemoglobin, BUN, creatinine, calcium, A/G ratio. You are looking for his/her interpretations outside of the normal range.
A bone marrow biopsy with FISH analysis and skeletal X-ray are helpful for a better interpretation.
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LuvHiking - Name: LuvHiking
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Wife
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Waiting for diagnosis
- Age at diagnosis: 50
Re: Meaning of high kappa light chain number?
Just to add what LuvHiking said:
Active Myeloma traditionally was diagnosed if one or more of the C.R.A.B. symptoms showed up
C - Excess Calcium in the blood - Chemistry panel measures Calcium
R - Renal impairment - Chemistry panel measures Serum Creatinine and creatinine clearance which asses how well your kidneys are functioning
A - Anemia - the CBC Hemoglobin and Hematricit tests as part of the overall Red count
B - Bone damage - lytic lesions - that show up on a X ray bone scan, CAT Scan or MRI
More specific test for multiple myeloma include what you have had already the sFLC Assay but also you should have had a Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) and an Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE)
The later identifies the type of M protein (heavy chain) IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE or IgM. is present. The most common in multiple myeloma are IgG and IgA with IgM far less common and others not normally associated with multiple myeloma. The SPEP measures the "M" spike if one is present. (None will show up in light chain Myeloma but that is normally detectable with the sFLC Assay.
Finally a bone marrow biopsy is done to measure monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marro.
The more recent standards for diagnosis of multiple myeloma are contained in this article published in the Beacon. https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2014/10/26/new-multiple-myeloma-diagnostic-criteria/
With respect to the sFLC the involved/uninvolved free light ratio has to be 100 or greater and the involved light chain either Kappa or Lambda (one that is higher than normal) has to be at least 100mg/L
This is a lot of information to take in at once.
I would also direct you to the Resources section of the Beacon found in the top menu bar.
Good luck to you.
Active Myeloma traditionally was diagnosed if one or more of the C.R.A.B. symptoms showed up
C - Excess Calcium in the blood - Chemistry panel measures Calcium
R - Renal impairment - Chemistry panel measures Serum Creatinine and creatinine clearance which asses how well your kidneys are functioning
A - Anemia - the CBC Hemoglobin and Hematricit tests as part of the overall Red count
B - Bone damage - lytic lesions - that show up on a X ray bone scan, CAT Scan or MRI
More specific test for multiple myeloma include what you have had already the sFLC Assay but also you should have had a Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) and an Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE)
The later identifies the type of M protein (heavy chain) IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE or IgM. is present. The most common in multiple myeloma are IgG and IgA with IgM far less common and others not normally associated with multiple myeloma. The SPEP measures the "M" spike if one is present. (None will show up in light chain Myeloma but that is normally detectable with the sFLC Assay.
Finally a bone marrow biopsy is done to measure monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marro.
The more recent standards for diagnosis of multiple myeloma are contained in this article published in the Beacon. https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2014/10/26/new-multiple-myeloma-diagnostic-criteria/
With respect to the sFLC the involved/uninvolved free light ratio has to be 100 or greater and the involved light chain either Kappa or Lambda (one that is higher than normal) has to be at least 100mg/L
This is a lot of information to take in at once.
I would also direct you to the Resources section of the Beacon found in the top menu bar.
Good luck to you.
-
Ron Harvot - Name: Ron Harvot
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 56
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