M spike numbers. His M-spike, considered too small (“undetectable”) to quantify for several months now, continues to decline. Has anyone else had this happen and what was done if anything? Nov 3, 2020 · In all cases, a number of lab tests are necessary, as is bone marrow biopsy for genetic and morphological testing. This proliferation of the myeloma protein has several deleterious effects on the body, including impaired immune function, abnormally high blood viscosity ("thickness" of the blood), and kidney damage. Oct 12, 2024 · M protein is an abnormal protein caused by plasma cells. My free Kapa light chains has been high, progressed from 37. When the body produces abnormal antibodies, they are called monoclonal proteins, or M proteins. Feb 24, 2025 · The M-spike is an abnormal protein produced by myeloma cells. However, his freelight chain Kappa is increasing. For many patients I see, they have those numbers normally, but for you it was different. Jun 12, 2022 · In her presentation, Dr. He had exhausted other treatment options, and was seen at Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Institute for consideration to receive chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. But after stem cell therapy, which first destroys cancerous plasma cells then restores healthy ones, follow-up profiles often yield a lineup of antibodies—called an oligoclonal pattern A: trace examples show the spike numbers produced by a current pulse (100 pA, 1 s) in control neurons [artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF)] and neurons after bath application of XE991. May 4, 2025 · Your MGUS in terms of M-spike numbers are low (. My question is, do numbers fluctuate up and Jan 22, 2025 · Dr. M. The best thing you can do with MGUS is just to have it Apr 15, 2021 · You had no M-spike. Protein electrophoresis is a test that measures specific proteins in the blood. Your healthcare providers are the most valuable resource for answering questions you may have regarding cancer, treatment, your health and your well-being. Hemoglobin = Hgb Sep 23, 2025 · Can you test for spike protein in your body or blood? Most of you will know “the spike protein” as the now infamous culprit behind much of the harm caused to long COVID and long vax sufferers. I just started with MGUS a year ago and he checks every 3 months. 1 g/dL and an increase in involved FLC by at least 5 mg/dL from pre-ASCT to day +100 increases the likelihood of an early relapse after ASCT, and these patients may benefit from closer surveillance after day +100. I will see her next week. Overall it’s lower than before the CAR-T but it’s not consistently dropping. Dec 5, 2023 · However in this instance I’m not so concerned about the cancer cells and resultant paraproteins per se, I’m worried about other associated syndromes that can be serious. This booklet describes these tests and what they mean for you and your health care Mar 8, 2024 · When I was diagnosed with an M-spike 2 years ago which turned out to be IgG MGUS. Blood tests may also help doctors see whether treatment is working. May 4, 2021 · Myeloma Protein Levels in the Blood and the Amount of Myeloma in the Body In this episode, Dr. I just wonder if I should consider seeing It's not a given that one's involved free light chain numbers will move in tandem with one's M-spike (M protein). Oct 21, 2015 · His M spike numbers dropped to 1. All patients with monoclonal gammopathies should be followed with periodic serum protein electrophoresis to differentiate stable from increasing M spikes. Aug 25, 2022 · In 2012, a 62-year-old woman was found to have hemoglobin of 11 g/dL. Learn more about spike proteins and what different results look like. 50; HCT 34. What is the Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) test? This test measures specific proteins in the urine. This threshold can vary based on age, gender, and other patient-related factors. All other blood count numbers are excellent. 7; MCH 34. Some tests might be called different names. However my free light chain ratio is still within normal range. Usually, this would indicate an infection or autoimmune disorder. 📊🩺 Almost one-fifth of all cases of myeloma secrete only light chains. 5. Do the m spike numbers mean anything or is it really just person to person? As far a high or low in the beginning? What do the numbers mean? The 20/2/20 stands for 20% plasma cells in the bone marrow or more, more than 2 g of M spike, and a free light chain ratio that's more than 20. Lamba is also up a little bit and so is the ratio, although I do not have a clue about the ratio. These proteins can also be referred to as an M-spike, monoclonal immunoglobulin, or paraprotein. 1, 9 Dec 29, 2023 · My M-spike is 1. What is M spike in multiple myeloma? The “M” in M spike stands for “monoclonal. The presence of M protein in the blood typically indicates the presence of multiple myeloma, or other plasma cell disorders such as amyloidosis or MGUS. Interpretation of elevation, decreased, or visual change in different fractions can be used as a diagnostic aid for a variety of different disease states and protein Apr 10, 2015 · I was diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma about a year ago with an M-spike of 2. Learn about treatment options and outlook for this type of cancer. In patients with a PR, the lowest serum M‐spike after transplant was considered the new baseline when estimating the rate of tumor regrowth, and the time interval between the lowest M‐spike and M‐spike compatible with progression taken as the denominator. Some people have myeloma cells that produce very little M protein, whereas others produce a lot of M protein, so it’s important to Apr 17, 2019 · What is a good M protein level range for myeloma patients? When is MRD testing recommended? Watch now to hear expert Dr. Understanding your COVID-19 spike protein test results is crucial to keeping you and your community safe. An M spike is seen on tests when elevated levels of M protein are detected in your blood or urine. CT skeletal survey was negative. We found that 70. Akhlaghi concluded that: Patients with a free light chain ratio over 100 are a mixed group with varying risk Those with a free light chain ratio over 100 and both bone marrow plasma cells over 20% and an M-spike over 2g/dL progressed within 2 years (median time to progression was 18 months, 2-year progression rate 89%) Test Includes Evaluation of protein electrophoretic bands; protein electrophoresis, serum; quantitation of M-spike if present Q. 5 and . Consequently, other immunoglobulins secreted by normal plasma cells are reduced, leading to a deficient immune system. Creatinine = Cr 3. 17 to 30. The antibodies made by myeloma cells are abnormal because they are all the same (monoclonal). You should be followed at frequent intervals with blood tests - maybe every 3 or 6 months. Thus, we used knowledge of the rate of M-protein production by myeloma cells together with the clearance of the protein to estimate the pretransplant disease burden. Dec 20, 2024 · Overview Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a condition in which an atypical protein is found in the blood. Many of these terms and tests may be unfamiliar—you can read more about them in the glossary. It is called an M spike when M protein is detected in your blood or urine. 1; eGFR 53. For instance, the progressive loss of sensation in my arms and legs is progressing and I’m becoming weaker by the week. I commonly see heart damage and blood clots at levels of 10,000, 15,000, and very Nov 28, 2024 · I'm 3 weeks into the first cycle and I had a random kappa and lamba light chain urine test the other day. ¹ I'm curious as I know people with active MM who had to fight to be diagnosed because of their lack of M-spike/monoclonal protein. 0, and 10% in bone marrow. M-spike = monoclonal protein = M-protein 2. 6 at this visit. Oct 25, 2023 · Hi all, I hope you're all coping okay with whatever life is throwing at you at the moment. If you have two of those three characteristics, then your risk of developing myeloma is roughly 50% in the next two years. If you read this article, you can get a better sense for how these processes work. If the amount of protein is ≥30 g/L and/or there are other disease symptoms, the patient may have myeloma. 8. The following algorithms are available: -Amyloidosis: Laboratory Approach to Diagnosis The Journal News and lohud. My IGg is 1819. Jan 17, 2019 · The higher the M spike on SPEP, the higher the risk of progression to myeloma. 7 g/dL and λ free light chain of 94 mg/dL. Limited data are available to assess the prognostic value of an increasing M-spike or FLC from immediately before ASCT to Day-100 post-ASCT. This abnormal protein is known by several different names, including monoclonal immunoglobulin, monoclonal protein (M protein), M spike, or paraprotein. Your healthcare team will monitor your multiple myeloma on a regular basis using several different lab tests and imaging. Brian G. M protein, also known as monoclonal protein or M-spike, is a type of protein produced by plasma cells in bone marrow. Free light chain ratio = FLC ratio = involved over uninvolved ratio 4. Below is a list of lab tests that are commonly used to keep an eye on multiple myeloma. This phenomenon can sometimes be explained by processes associated with "nonsecretory" and "oligosectory" myeloma. … Sep 19, 2025 · What Is the M-Spike in Multiple Myeloma? Cancerous plasma cells produce an abnormal antibody known as the M protein or M spike (and also called paraprotein or monoclonal immunoglobulin). Levels greater than 1000 and ranging up to >25,000 units/ml reflect more severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and or the residual ongoing Spike protein production from COVID-19 vaccination. If a localized band or spike or suspicion of either is found Patients(pts) who undergo autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) for multiple myeloma (MM) are routinely assessed at Day-100 using serum monoclonal protein (M-spike), free light chains(FLC), and urine studies. Staging for multiple myeloma is based largely on the results of tests that have been done. And somewhere between 1 and 5% of all cases of myeloma secrete no detectable immunoglobulin at all! Which, without the familiar M-spike, would make for a pretty difficult diagnosis. My plasma cell percentage on bone marrow biopsy (BMB) was 13%, IgG 3064 mg/dL, kappa-lambda FLC ratio is 45. [3] Agarose gel electrophoresis is the preferred method for detection of an M protein. Dec 10, 2021 · If none of the above-listed abnormalities are present, but the M-spike is 3 g/dL or more and/or there is over 10% (but less than 60%) plasma cells in the bone marrow; then, based on current criteria, the diagnosis would be smoldering myeloma. Elisabet Manasanch explain. If a localized band or spike or suspicion of either is found Urine protein electrophoresis alone is not considered an adequate screening for monoclonal gammopathies. 5 is considered SMM and 3. 0g/dl M-spike on the SPEP, do I need to consult heme for a biopsy? I'm sure I will get my doctor's opinion, when I go to my next appointment, but it would be nice to hear what any of you or your loved ones experienced, when your m-spike returned after first SCT or in general. The specimens supplemented with daratumumab (Fig 1f) as well as elotuzumab (Fig 1g Aug 25, 2022 · In 2012, a 62-year-old woman was found to have hemoglobin of 11 g/dL. This spike is called an M-spike (you could remember M for either monoclonal or myeloma), and the corresponding monoclonal protein that it represents is called an M protein. Having the right tests is important: the results help your doctor confirm a diagnosis of myeloma, assess the extent of your disease, and monitor your progress once you start treatment. If you have any questions about your test results, discuss them with your healthcare team. My Lambda light chains have risen from 22. Is this initial sharp decline in M spike numbers often followed by very slow decline in numbers? An increase of M protein in your blood is a sign that your multiple myeloma may have relapsed. Test Includes Evaluation of protein electrophoretic bands; protein electrophoresis, urine; quantitation of M-spike if present Did they tell you why? Link to criteria below. This process is called staging. Recognition of a monoclonal gammopathy If myeloma or a related disorder is suspected, a patient can be screened effectively for an M protein using serum protein electrophoresis, serum immunofixation, and the free light chain (FLC) assay. Been consistently at . If you’ve found yourself wondering how much of that nasty stuff you might have in your system, you are not alone. Sep 22, 2023 · A machine learning tool to rapidly monitor disease status in patients with multiple myelomaPURPOSEThe gold standard for monitoring response status in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) is serum and urine protein electrophoresis which quantify M-spike proteins; however, the turnaround time for results is 3-7 days which delays treatment Aug 8, 2024 · Explore the stages and prognosis of multiple myeloma. See full list on myeloma. Shreya Trivedi: All this btw you can look up but the numbers you’ll find when you look it up is 3 and 10%, <3 g/dl of M-spike and less than 10% plasma cells on a bone marrow bx but come to think of it say the patient has 1. A monoclonal spike (M spike or paraprotein) on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a frequent finding in the general population and typically is pathognomonic of an asymptomatic, premalignant condition called monoclonal gammopathy of In general, < 1000 units/ml would be considered low risk and due to exposure from the respiratory virus in an unvaccinated person. While there are many diagnostic tests surrounding a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, many MM patients refer to their m-spike for the number to give a general sense of their MM status. I checked with a retired oncologist friend who told me to make sure that I used a doctor associated with a major medical center. org Explore the significance of M spike in diagnostics and its normal range in health. , with detailed contact info. BM showed 11% plasma cells, with FISH showing 1q gain and 13q deletion. Find Patricia Spike public records with current phone number, home address, email, age & relatives. 8% of patients in the study group had the presence of M band on serum protein electrophoresis as against the 100% reported by Diwan [14]. com: Get the latest news, information, sports, food, entertainment, real estate, video and opinion in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam, New We call this ”monoclonal” This can be detected on a blood test known as SPEP (serum protein electrophoresis), often ordered by a doctor who notices the protein levels are too high in the blood on routine testing The IgM level can be determined by two different blood tests: IgM or M spike Test Includes Serum protein electrophoresis with automatic reflex to serum immunofixation (IFE) at an additional charge if M-spike is present Graph with quantitation of total urine protein; urine albumin; urine α 1; urine α 2; urine β; urine γ-globulin fractions if present; quantitation of M-spike if present Serum from a multiple myeloma patient in CR with no visible monoclonality by immunofixation or protein electrophoresis (Fig 1e), as well as a patient with a visible M-spike and monoclonal band (Fig 1h), were analyzed by protein electrophoresis and immunofixation after addition of daratumumab or elotuzumab. Doctors also use the stage when talking The biomarker Abnormal Protein Band 1 is part of a blood test called "Protein Electrophoresis". 6 to . I thought these two numbers (m-spike, freelight) were usually more in sync. Apr 19, 2023 · After receiving myriad treatments since first being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2006, a 79-year-old man presented in August 2021 with slowly increasing M-spike numbers. Since then I’ve seen my M-spike number (Monoclonal 1) go down but it’s been more of a rollercoaster (down , then up, then down, and then up). M-protein, m-spike, monoclonal protein- many names pointing to the same thing- multiple myeloma. Definitely, an M spike of 3 is problematic Feb 21, 2019 · M protein is an abnormal protein produced by plasma cells. If you have a question that you’d like to suggest for a - A monoclonal spike (M-Spike), the sharp pattern that occurs on protein electrophoresis, is the telltale indicator of M-protein in the blood, a marker for the activity of myeloma cells. Aug 13, 2019 · A person’s risk of progressing from a benign condition called MGUS to the blood cancer multiple myeloma can change over time, according to a new study. Based on the actual lab printouts you receive in the clinic, we’ve added color coding to help you identify the most important myeloma markers. Use the chart to help you better understand your results. . Protein, Total and Protein Electrophoresis - Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) is an analytical technique that provides separation of serum protein into six fractions: Albumin, Alpha-1, Alpha-2, Beta-1, Beta-2, and Gamma. 7 for 18 months, it was . 6 g/dL (26 g/L) and it has stayed at 2. See why Myeloma protein might show up in your blood and what kinds of conditions it might be a sign of. Typically, M spike levels are measured in grams per liter, with values typically considered normal being below a certain threshold. com: Get the latest news, information, sports, food, entertainment, real estate, video and opinion in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam, New We call this ”monoclonal” This can be detected on a blood test known as SPEP (serum protein electrophoresis), often ordered by a doctor who notices the protein levels are too high in the blood on routine testing The IgM level can be determined by two different blood tests: IgM or M spike Graph with quantitation of total urine protein; urine albumin; urine α 1; urine α 2; urine β; urine γ-globulin fractions if present; quantitation of M-spike if present Serum from a multiple myeloma patient in CR with no visible monoclonality by immunofixation or protein electrophoresis (Fig 1e), as well as a patient with a visible M-spike and monoclonal band (Fig 1h), were analyzed by protein electrophoresis and immunofixation after addition of daratumumab or elotuzumab. When your lambda number over the kappa number equals or exceeds 20, you may have a problem. Increasing M protein levels can be identified by an M spike. Here we report that pretransplant monoclonal protein level (M-spike) was found to be an important predictor. The amount of M protein is measured using a multiple myeloma test, the M spike lab test. Would you have any idea why this might be so? Oct 12, 2024 · My M-protein spike has been consistently between . INTRODUCTION As a patient with multiple myeloma, you will undergo a number of tests throughout your diagnosis and treatment. I have multiple myeloma, and I read your post What is an M-spike, and it was an excellent contribution which I have been looking for in months. We evaluated this in our cohort of patients. MULTIPLE MYELOMA LAB TESTS This lab tracker booklet explains common tests for patients with multiple myeloma. This resource is not provided to replace discussions with your healthcare provider. A monoclonal spike (M spike or paraprotein) on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a frequent finding in the general population and typically is pathognomonic of an asymptomatic, premalignant condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Disease burden estimation. Because healthy plasma cells don't make this protein, doctors look for M spike in blood tests a way to identify if somebody may multiple myeloma. My numbers are slightly up, with kappa light chain now at 13 mg/L. 2; GLUC 110. Other terms for such a protein are monoclonal protein, M protein, M component, M spike, spike protein, or paraprotein. Whitepages found 82 people named Patricia Spike in the U. The specimens supplemented with daratumumab (Fig 1f) as well as elotuzumab (Fig 1g Sep 10, 2017 · The M spike stands out as a distinctive, dense band of color among the layers of protein groups, while typical antibody levels create bands of lighter smears. 0. 08), my hemanoc said 1. Nov 17, 2017 · The Gamma Gap can be used to quickly calculate your monoclonal protein (or M-spike) number. Graph with quantitation of total urine protein, urine albumin, urine α 1, urine α 2, urine β, urine γ-globulin fractions if present; quantitation (in %) of M-spike if present May 31, 2022 · Light chain multiple myeloma is a subtype of multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. Thanks If you are diagnosed with multiple myeloma, doctors will try to figure out how advanced it is. This lab tracker booklet explains common tests for patients with multiple myeloma. M spike (myeloma gamma globulin)10,19 The presence of any M spike is abnormal and shows the presence of an abnormal clone of plasma cells. - A monoclonal spike (M-Spike), the sharp pattern that occurs on protein electrophoresis, is the telltale indicator of M-protein in the blood, a marker for the activity of myeloma cells. The normal value for the m-spike is always zero, meaning anything above this value is considered out of range. Out of 46 positive cases, M-spike was localized in the gamma region (γ) in 78% cases, beta region (β) 18% cases, and α2 region in 2% cases. To use PANGEA, you need four (4) numbers from your laboratory results. 1 g/dL after first treatment cycle and then to 0. Which gives you a big spike (if you’re looking at a tracing) or a very distinct, crisp, strong band (if you’re looking at the gel itself). Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance occurs most often in older men. 0 this visit. Polyclonal would not normally qualify as MGUS as it's a high number of "normal" immunoglobulins. Essential insights for understanding monoclonal gammopathies and their implications. Durie discusses how the level of myeloma protein found in the blood corresponds to the amount of myeloma found in the body. Urine protein electrophoresis alone is not considered an adequate screening for monoclonal gammopathies. In general, < 1000 units/ml would be considered low risk and due to exposure from the respiratory virus in an unvaccinated person. If you have a lot of it in your blood, it can signal certain conditions and risks, though it more frequently has no ill health effects. The protein is called monoclonal protein or M protein. I have IGG lambda MGUS. It helps determine how serious the myeloma is and how best to treat it. The stage helps doctors describe how much cancer is in the body. 10 in that time. I had Carvytki at the beginning of Feb of this year. This protein is made in the soft, blood-producing tissue in the center of bones. The ratio is decreasing because your lambda FLC is increasing. Learn about its role as an important biomarker for new blood-based MRD tests. If a discrete electrophoresis band is identified, the laboratory will evaluate the urine protein electrophoresis and, if necessary, perform urine M-protein isotyping by MASSFIX at an additional charge. He doesn’t want to see any sudden increases or see it reach 3. 00. 0g/dl M-spike on the SPEP, do I need to consult heme for a biopsy? A monoclonal spike (M spike or paraprotein) on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) is a frequent finding in the general population and typically is pathognomonic of an asymptomatic, premalignant condition called monoclonal gammopathy of Sep 8, 2025 · The actual FLC numbers vary so widely do to inflammation the ratio is the critical numbers. This blood-producing tissue is bone marrow. An increase of M-spike by at least 0. Read about light and heavy chains, diagnosis, and treatment. I commonly see heart damage and blood clots at levels of 10,000, 15,000, and very Jan 22, 2025 · Dr. S. Serum IgA was 1800 mg/dL, and immunofixation showed an IgA λ monoclonal protein with an M spike of 1. The main biomarkers of myeloma are a spike in monoclonal protein (M-spike) and an asymmetry in free light chains. Is it normal May 17, 2023 · Monoclonal Protein Monitoring Another marker your specialist will monitor is your monoclonal protein level or your m-spike (unfortunately, there are many names for this marker among labs, but those are the two most common). My oncologist was out of the office, and a nurse practitioner said all was well last visit, and again this visit my doc was not available. My Lambda is 27. Jul 27, 2023 · Also, this abnormal plasma cell population (monoclonal plasma cells) secrete excessive heavy chains and light chains (monoclonal protein or m-spike), including the complete immunoglobulin and/or the free light chains. The BOTTOM LINE: Discuss your situation with your doctor and establish how best to track your disease. Your free light chains were going up, but you were barely higher than normal, so your lambda or kappa light chain would be about 5, 6, or 4, which is a variant of normal. Learn more about remission and the criteria for it. Apr 17, 2025 · In your place, I would be concerned. I would like to know what is considered a high M-spike? My numbers so far, at least for the last year, have been stable. My M-Spike has remained stable at around 12 g/l (1. 2g /dl) since my last blood test 3 months ago. ” The occurrence of an M spike is abnormal and is an indicator of an abnormal clone of plasma cells. 5 g/dL, they have a higher risk of progression. A test known as electrophoresis can be done on blood or urine samples to find these antibodies. Increasing M proteins require further evaluation (bone marrow examination, skeletal x-ray studies, urinary protein electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoretic or immunofixation studies, and so forth). 7 g/dL and this last was 0. K/L Ratio 0. 6 in May of 2023 to 45. Any increase in those numbers indicated more disease. Here's a myeloma hack to quickly measure your level. A basic cut point is if patients have a M spike greater than 1. 6 for the last year. These numbers are all rising, indicating possible progression. Interesting your dr not concerned about M spike that’s the #1 number my oncologist watches. Jul 19, 2021 · Doctors use blood tests, including a complete blood count, to diagnose multiple myeloma. 39; RBC is 3. 0; CREA 1. My Kappa light chains haven't moved. 6 g/dL. Here are some examples: 1. I know it's signicant, though. Oct 12, 2024 · Multiple myeloma remission is when your symptoms decrease or disappear. It is an abnormal protein that is produced by cancerous plasma cells, which are responsible for multiple myeloma. My Oncologist moved me from every 6 months follow-up to nine months, which was encouraging. 20k1 amd hq ud ucf llb5r emba zyedopj skf hb