Presence of monoclonal free light chains in the serum predicts risk of progression in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

Br J Haematol. 2004 Nov;127(3):308-10. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2004.05169.x.

Abstract

We hypothesized that the presence of monoclonal free light chains (FLC) in the serum of patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a marker of clonal evolution and a risk factor for progression. Forty-seven patients with MGUS and documented progression to myeloma or related malignancy were compared with 50 age- and gender-matched patients with MGUS and no evidence of progression after 5 or more years of follow-up. The presence of an abnormal kappa/lambda FLC ratio in the serum was associated with a higher risk of MGUS progression (relative risk 2.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.6-4.0; P < 0.001).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains / blood*
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / blood
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains / blood
  • Paraproteinemias / blood*
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Immunoglobulin Light Chains
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains