HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Immunoglobulin free light chain ratio is an independent risk factor for progression of smoldering (asymptomatic) multiple myeloma.

Abstract
We hypothesized that increased monoclonal free kappa or lambda immunoglobulin light chains in smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM), as detected by the serum free light chain (FLC) assay, indicates an increased risk of progression to active myeloma. Baseline serum samples obtained within 30 days of diagnosis were available in 273 patients with SMM seen from 1970 to 1995. At a median follow-up of surviving patients of 12.4 years, transformation to active disease has occurred in 59%. The best breakpoint for predicting risk of progression was an FLC ratio of 0.125 or less, or 8 or more (hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.6-3.2). The extent of abnormality of FLC ratio was independent of SMM risk categories defined by number of bone marrow plasma cells (BMPCs) and size of serum M proteins (BMPC>or=10% and serum M protein>or=3 g/dL; BMPC>or=10% but serum M protein<3 g/dL; and serum M protein>or=3 g/dL but BMPC<10%). Incorporating the FLC ratio into the risk model, the 5-year progression rates in high-, intermediate-, and low-risk groups were 76%, 51%, and 25%, respectively. The serum immunoglobulin FLC ratio is an important additional determinant of clinical outcome in patients with SMM.
AuthorsAngela Dispenzieri, Robert A Kyle, Jerry A Katzmann, Terry M Therneau, Dirk Larson, Joanne Benson, Raynell J Clark, L Joseph Melton 3rd, Morie A Gertz, Shaji K Kumar, Rafael Fonseca, Diane F Jelinek, S Vincent Rajkumar
JournalBlood (Blood) Vol. 111 Issue 2 Pg. 785-9 (Jan 15 2008) ISSN: 0006-4971 [Print] United States
PMID17942755 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural)
Chemical References
  • Glycoproteins
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains
  • protein M (glycoprotein)
Topics
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bone Marrow Cells (metabolism, pathology)
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glycoproteins (blood)
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains (blood)
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma (blood, mortality, pathology)
  • Plasma Cells (metabolism, pathology)
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: