[Charisse DeFlice]

Increase in M-protein after ASCT

by Charisse DeFlice on Thu May 19, 2011 2:13 pm

My husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in July of 2010. After completing induction therapy of Biaxin, Revlimid and Dexamethasone his M-protein was reduced to trace. After receiving Cytoxin for the collection of his stem cells, his M-protein was 0. We just received the lab results of his 6 week post-transplant and his M-protein level was .25. Needless to say we are confused and a little nervous. His transplant took place in another state and we are still waiting to hear from his Dr. about this result. We will travel to California for his 100 day appointment in early June but are wondering if this is anything to be concerned about until then.

[Dr. Edward Libby]

Re: Increase in M-protein after ASCT

by Dr. Edward Libby on Fri May 20, 2011 5:24 pm

Hi,
Most transplant centers do not measure the m-protein until 90-100 days after the transplant because the response to Melphalan can continue to improve until that time. You should wait to see what the results are when you meet with your transplant physician.
All the best

[NStewart]

Re: Increase in M-protein after ASCT

by NStewart on Mon May 23, 2011 9:41 pm

I had an M-spike of 0.3 for 5 or 6 months post transplant and then it went to 0 and has stayed there until recently. All of my other blood work took a couple more months before they were in the normal range. We are all different and respond to the treatments at different rates. I think that the 100 day mark is when a large percentage of people have a response, or not, to the transplant. But, there are many who respond more quickly and many who respond more slowly.

Good luck with your 100 day check-up.
Nancy