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Zhang T, Lin Z, Zheng Z, Wang Q, Zhou S, Zhang B, Zheng D, Chen Z, Zheng S, Zhang Y, Lin X, Dong R, Chen J, Qian H, Hu X, Zhuang Y, Zhang Q, Jin Z, Jiang S, Ma Y. Prognostic significance of β2-microglobulin decline index in multiple myeloma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1322680. [PMID: 38562177 PMCID: PMC10982376 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1322680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess the prognostic significance of β2-microglobulin decline index (β2M DI) in multiple myeloma (MM). Methods 150 MM patients diagnosed with MM were enrolled in this study. Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the uni- and multivariate prognosis in training cohort (n=105). A new combined prognostic model containing β2M DI was built up based on the data in training cohort. The validation group was used to verify the model. Results β2M DI showed significant correlation with prognosis in both uni- and multivariate analyses and had a good correlation with complete response (CR) rate and deep remission rate. The ROC and calibration curves in validation cohort (n=45) indicated a good predictive performance of the new model. Based on the median risk score of the training group, we classified patients into high- and low- risk groups. In both training and validation groups, patients in the low-risk group had longer overall survival (OS) time than that in the high-risk group (p<0.05). Conclusion β2M DI is a good predictive index for predicting treatment response and survival time in MM patients. The prognostic model added with β2M DI showed a better correlation with OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Neurology, The First People’s Hospital of Fuyang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhili Lin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ziwei Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Quanqiang Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shujuan Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bingxin Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dong Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zixing Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sisi Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuanru Lin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rujiao Dong
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Honglan Qian
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xudong Hu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Zhuang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qianying Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhouxiang Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Songfu Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongyong Ma
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Treatment and Life Support for Critical Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Hospital Emergency and Process Digitization, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Rögnvaldsson S, Thorsteinsdóttir S, Kristinsson SY. Screening in Multiple Myeloma and Its Precursors: Are We There Yet? Clin Chem 2024; 70:128-139. [PMID: 38175579 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy that develops over years from the asymptomatic precursors, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, and smoldering multiple myeloma. Recent evidence shows that by initiating treatment at an asymptomatic stage, outcomes in MM can be significantly improved. However, a vast majority of MM patients are diagnosed after the development of symptomatic end-organ damage and cannot reap the benefits of early treatment. The precursors of MM are easily detected by serum protein electrophoresis and free light chain assay of the serum, raising the question of whether population-based screening could detect MM at an asymptomatic stage and significantly expand the availability of early treatment in MM. Screening is a hallmark of care in many malignancies, and there are accepted criteria for when screening is appropriate. CONTENT Here we review the available relevant evidence for the introduction of screening and discuss whether screening for MM and its precursors fulfills these criteria. We also highlight gaps in our current knowledge, most notably a lack of data on the benefits and harms of screening and the lack of a defined target population. There are ongoing studies that may fill these critical gaps in the literature, but their results are still pending. SUMMARY Screening could lead to a paradigm shift in the care of patients with MM, but critical scientific questions need to be answered before screening of healthy individuals can be recommended. In short, we should not screen for MM and its precursors-yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sæmundur Rögnvaldsson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Landspítali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Sigrún Thorsteinsdóttir
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sigurður Yngvi Kristinsson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
- Landspítali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
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Shastri M, Malhotra P, Kaur H, Aggarwal R. Understanding the Constraints and Optimization of Serum Immunofixation Electrophoresis and Serum Free Light Chains for Detecting Monoclonal Proteins: A Single-Center Experience. J Lab Physicians 2023; 15:518-523. [PMID: 37780881 PMCID: PMC10539058 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Serum immunofixation electrophoresis (SIFE) and serum free light chain (SFLC) assay are imperative investigations in diagnosis and follow-up of multiple myeloma (MM). SFLC assays are reported to have higher sensitivity than SIFE. However, discrepancies have been reported between them. The current study was aimed at assessing concordance and discordance between SIFE and SFLC results in MM. Methods A total of 450 observations of both SIFE and SFLC were obtained from treatment-naive and follow-up MM patients. Results One hundred and twenty-nine (28.7%) values were observed as discordant, that is, positive SIFE with normal SFLC ratio or negative SIFE with abnormal SFLC ratio ( p -value < 0.00001). Proportion of discordance was higher in SIFE positive-SFLC normal cases than SIFE negative-SFLC abnormal cases. Discordance was more frequent in follow-up cases. Conclusion Negative SFLC alone may not be reliable for MM follow-up. Algorithm may be based on SFLC measurements on each follow-up till attainment of normal SFLC ratio. Once SFLC normalizes, follow-up may be done with SIFE. If SIFE is positive, further follow-up with SIFE may be initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malvika Shastri
- Department of Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pankaj Malhotra
- Department of Clinical Hematology and Medical Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Harvinder Kaur
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ritu Aggarwal
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Singh G, Arinze N, Manthei DM, Plapp FV, Bollag RJ. Urine Protein Immunofixation Electrophoresis: Free Light Chain Urine Immunofixation Electrophoresis Is More Sensitive than Conventional Assays for Detecting Monoclonal Light Chains and Could Serve as a Marker of Minimal Residual Disease. Lab Med 2023; 54:527-533. [PMID: 36857478 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmac155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin monoclonal light chains (MLCs) in serum and urine are markers for monoclonal gammopathy and could serve as markers of minimal residual disease (MRD) in multiple myeloma (MM). Excretion of MLCs in urine is known to result in renal damage and shorter survival in patients with LC-predominant MM. METHODS Retrospective review of urine immunofixation in 1738 specimens at 3 medical centers was conducted to assess the utility of urinalysis for diagnosis and monitoring of monoclonal gammopathy. We tested 228 stored urine specimens via the modified urine immunofixation method, using antisera to assay free LCs (FLCs). RESULTS Our review of urine immunofixation results and medical records validated the theory that the only meaningful value-added finding was detection of monoclonal free light chains. Examination of 228 urine specimens using our novel method revealed 18.4% additional positive results. The rate of incremental findings for lambda LCs was nearly 3-fold higher than for kappa LCs. CONCLUSIONS The new method of urine immunofixation is significantly more sensitive and more efficient than the conventional method for detecting MLCs in urine. The new assay appears to be sensitive enough to prove that MLCs serve as a marker of MRD in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurmukh Singh
- Department of Pathology Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Nkechi Arinze
- Department of Pathology Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | | | | | - Roni J Bollag
- Department of Pathology Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
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Li J, Xu A, Xie W, Li B, Yan C, Xia Y, Liang C, Ji L. MALDI-TOF-MS for rapid screening analysis of M-protein in serum. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1073479. [PMID: 36591514 PMCID: PMC9797962 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1073479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal immunoglobin (M-protein) is a serum biomarker for the diagnosis of plasma cell dyscrasias. Despite limitation of analytical sensitivity and resolution, serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation electrophoresis are still the front-line tests for the detection of M-proteins. Herein, we developed a MALDI-TOF Mass spectrometry-based method for the screening test of M-proteins in human serum. Based on the unique mass signature of different immunoglobin isotypes, M-Proteins could be rapidly identified and typed. The method demonstrated with high analytical performance and throughput, rapid and simple, which could be a new choice for the diagnosis of plasma cell dyscrasias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Jie Li, ; Chao Liang, ; Ling Ji,
| | - Anping Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weijie Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cunliang Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao Liang
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China,Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Science (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Jie Li, ; Chao Liang, ; Ling Ji,
| | - Ling Ji
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Jie Li, ; Chao Liang, ; Ling Ji,
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Evaluation of Free Light Chains (FLCs) Synthesis in Response to Exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911589. [PMID: 36232891 PMCID: PMC9569841 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess the synthesis of kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) free light chains (FLCs) in the serum of patients with COVID-19. All the 120 serum samples were collected from patients with COVID-19 and from healthy controls (vaccinated and non-vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2). FLCs, IgG total, IgG4, IgG anti-Nucleocapsid (N), anti-spike S1 receptor binding domain (S-RBD) antibodies and IL-6 were measured according to the manufacturers' instructions. The concentrations of anti-N IgG, IgG total, IgG4 and IL-6 were elevated in the COVID-19 group in comparison to the vaccinated and non-vaccinated controls. The levels of anti-S-RBD IgG and κFLC were increased in COVID-19 and healthy vaccinated patients when compared to non-vaccinated controls. λFLC concentration was higher in the COVID-19 group than in the non-vaccinated group. The κ:λ ratio was lower in both COVID-19 and non-vaccinated groups in comparison to vaccinated controls. κFLC correlated with all tested parameters (anti-S-RBD IgG, anti-N IgG, λFLC, κ:λ ratio, IgG total, IgG4 and IL-6) except CRP, whereas λFLC correlated with all examined parameters except IgG4. Elevated levels of FLCs in COVID-19 and healthy vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 patients, as well as the correlation between free light chains with specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and IL-6, reflect hyperactivation of the immune system after contact with coronavirus. Furthermore, it seems that serum levels of FLCs might be used as predictive markers of COVID-19. Our findings suggest that free light chains are involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, understanding the exact mechanism requires further investigation.
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7
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Singh G, Whitaker BM, Wu AHB, Xu H, Bollag RJ. Serum Free Light Chain Quantification Testing: Comparison of Two Methods for Disease Monitoring. J Appl Lab Med 2022; 7:1290-1301. [DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfac068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Levels of free immunoglobulin light chains in serum and urine are a sensitive measure of dysregulated immunoglobulin synthesis. The development of an assay for free light chains in serum was a major advance in laboratory testing for monoclonal gammopathies. The original assay by The Binding Site, called Freelite®, has been in common use in laboratory monitoring of monoclonal gammopathies. Two clinical entities, myeloma-defining condition and light chain-predominant multiple myeloma, rely on quantitative measurements of serum free light chains.
Methods
Using polyclonal antisera specific to free light chains, Diazyme Laboratories developed a latex immunoturbidimetric assay for quantification of human kappa and lambda serum free light chains. We evaluated the Diazyme assay by comparing the results of kappa and lambda free light chain quantification, and kappa/lambda ratio with the results on the same specimens by the Freelite method. We also compared the correlation of the 2 methods to evaluate response to treatment and to changes in clinical status of patients with multiple myeloma.
Results
The results of Freelite and Diazyme methods are comparable. There was no statistically significant difference in the performance of the 2 assays for quantification of light chains, kappa/lambda ratio, or correlation of clinical parameters from patients with multiple myeloma at various stages of monitoring the disease in 2 geographically diverse laboratory and clinical environments.
Conclusions
The Diazyme method is comparable to Freelite and provides an opportunity to add the test to front-end automation and improvement in efficiency of the assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurmukh Singh
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University , Augusta, GA 30912 , USA
| | - Brooke M Whitaker
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University , Augusta, GA 30912 , USA
| | - Alan H B Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Ave., SFGH 5 , San Francisco CA 94110 , USA
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University , Augusta, GA 30912 , USA
| | - Roni J Bollag
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University , Augusta, GA 30912 , USA
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Jin Y, Savage NM, Bollag RJ, Xu H, Singh G. Light Chain Multiple Myeloma: High Serum Free Light Chain Concentrations Portend Renal Damage and Poorer Survival. J Appl Lab Med 2021; 6:1592-1600. [PMID: 34468749 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfab090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monoclonal immunoglobulins provide an indication of the tumor burden in patients with plasma cell neoplasms. Higher concentrations of serum free light chains in light chain predominant multiple myeloma have been shown to correlate with a poorer outcome. We examined the correlations of serum free light chain concentrations in light chain myelomas with survival, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and other clinical and pathological parameters. METHODS Records of patients with light chain multiple myelomas were reviewed. Highest concentration of serum free light chains for each patient were plotted to ascertain an inflection/change point. Survival, eGFR, and other clinical and pathological parameters were compared between the low and high light chain concentration groups. RESULTS Plotting serum free light chain concentrations revealed an inflection point at a concentration of 455 mg/L apportioning patients in to 2 subgroups: 39 patients with low light chain concentrations and 26 patients with high concentrations. The high concentration group had more unfavorable pathology in bone marrow examination in terms of higher neoplastic plasma cell burden and high-risk cytogenetics. The survival rate and eGFR in the high concentration group were significantly worse than in the low concentration group. CONCLUSIONS As noted for light chain predominant multiple myeloma, high serum free light chain concentration in light chain multiple myelomas are associated with higher renal disease burden and shorter survival. Monitoring of serum free light chain concentrations and customizing treatments to address this parameter are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Jin
- Department of Pathology, Augusta University
| | | | - Roni J Bollag
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Sciences, Augusta University
| | - Gurmukh Singh
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Truman Medical Center
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Wilhite D, Arfa A, Cotter T, Savage NM, Bollag RJ, Singh G. Multiple myeloma: Detection of free monoclonal light chains by modified immunofixation electrophoresis with antisera against free light chains. Pract Lab Med 2021; 27:e00256. [PMID: 34703870 PMCID: PMC8521168 DOI: 10.1016/j.plabm.2021.e00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neoplastic monoclonal gammopathies are frequently associated with production of excess free monoclonal light chains. A sensitive method for detecting free monoclonal light chains in serum could provide a marker for residual/minimal residual disease and as an adjunct to serum protein electrophoresis to serve as a screening method for monoclonal gammopathies. Methods Conventional serum immunofixation electrophoresis was modified by applying undiluted serum samples, and staining for serum free light chains with antisera specific to free light chains. Washing/blotting of gels was enhanced to remove residual proteins that did not bind to the antibodies including intact monoclonal immunoglobulins. Results from this modified immunofixation electrophoresis were compared with results from commercially available MASS-FIX/MALDI assay. Results Monoclonal free kappa light chains could be detected to a concentration of about 1.78 mg/L and monoclonal free lambda light chains to a concentration of about 1.15 mg/L without the need for special equipment. Comparison of these thresholds with parallel results from a commercially available MASS-FIX/MALDI assay revealed the modified electrophoretic method to be more sensitive in the context of free monoclonal light chains. Conclusions Modified serum immunofixation electrophoresis has been shown to detect low levels of monoclonal free light chains at a sensitivity suitable for the method to be used in detecting minimal residual disease, and potentially in a screening assay for monoclonal gammopathies. The disparity in the results with commercially available MASS-FIX/MALDI assay is postulated to be due to limited repertoire of reactivity of nanobodies of camelid origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian Wilhite
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, BI 2008A, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Ahmed Arfa
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, BI 2008A, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Thomas Cotter
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, BI 2008A, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Natasha M Savage
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, BI 2008A, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Roni J Bollag
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, BI 2008A, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Gurmukh Singh
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, BI 2008A, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
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Singh G, Bollag R, Kolhe R, McMullen A, Savage NM. Engaging Pathology Residents in Scholarly Activities. J Appl Lab Med 2021; 6:567-569. [PMID: 33674882 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfaa094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gurmukh Singh
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, GA
| | - Roni Bollag
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, GA
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11
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Singh G, Bollag RJ, Savage NM. Engaging Pathology Residents in Clinical Chemistry: The Essential Ingredient Is a Committed Teacher. J Appl Lab Med 2020; 6:522-531. [PMID: 33674880 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfaa140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathology residents are thought to show a lack of interest in clinical chemistry, therefore potentially graduating from training programs unprepared to function as laboratory directors and clinical consultants. METHODS A structured program of tutorials based primarily on Henry's textbook, supplemented by recent review articles; a question bank of about 600 questions to emphasize key concepts; requirement for performing and presenting quality improvement projects; participation in on-site CAP inspections; review of reference laboratory test requests; and involving residents in scholarly activity have resulted in sustained, transferable, and significant improvements in engagement, knowledge, competence, and examination scores. RESULTS The primary parameter for measuring change in resident competence and engagement were improvements in resident in-service examination (RISE) scores, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and receipt of awards. The revised program produced significant improvement in RISE scores in clinical chemistry, over and above the improvements in the general residency program. The residents were authors on 12 publications in peer-reviewed PubMed listed journals in the 5-year period since revision in the clinical chemistry curriculum compared to no publications in clinical chemistry in the 5-year period before the new curriculum. Over the past 2 years, 6 of the 11 publications by graduating residents were in clinical chemistry, and 6 of 7 awards for research were garnered by residents engaged in clinical chemistry investigations. All of the residents passed their clinical pathology boards on first attempt since the change compared to 2 failures in the prior 5-year period. CONCLUSIONS The structured program described here is important as a template that could be adopted by any pathology training program. The question bank developed by this program is a valuable and transferable aid. However, success of such a program is dependent on the commitment of a knowledgeable, dedicated, and passionate teacher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurmukh Singh
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Roni J Bollag
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Natasha M Savage
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
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Singh G, Xu H. Light Chain Predominant Intact Immunoglobulin Monoclonal Gammopathy Disorders: Shorter Survival in Light Chain Predominant Multiple Myelomas. Lab Med 2020; 52:390-398. [PMID: 33180138 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmaa057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A proportion of intact immunoglobulin (Ig)-producing multiple myelomas (MMs) was observed to secrete much higher amounts of free light chains (LCs) than usual. OBJECTIVES To determine the change point between usual and LC-predominant intact Ig-secreting MMs and other monoclonal gammopathic manifestations and the biological significance of the observation. METHODS We conducted retrospective examination of laboratory findings in 386 MM, 27 smoldering MM, and 179 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) cases that secreted intact Igs. We recorded the highest levels of involved serum free LC, highest ratio of involved to uninvolved LC, highest concentration of involved LC per g of monoclonal Ig, and highest value for ratio of involved to uninvolved LCs divided by the monoclonal Ig concentration. Each data set was sorted into kappa- and lambda LC-associated lesions. Length of time, in months, between diagnosis and last contact with the patients having myeloma was recorded. RESULTS Change point analysis of data revealed a subgroup of cases with distinctly higher levels of free LCs. In myelomas, including plasma cell leukemias, 16.4% of myelomas with kappa LCs and 22.3% of myelomas with lambda LCs, the LC secretion was distinctly higher than in the remaining cases, by a combination of 4 parameters, listed herein. Corresponding figures for smoldering myeloma (SMM) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) were 12.5, 27.3, 3.8, and 6.8, respectively. Ten of the 13 (77%) cases of plasma cell leukemia) and all cases of IgD myeloma (n = 4) showed excess secretion of serum free LCs. Among IgG and IgA myelomas, including plasma cell leukemias, the LC-predominant lesions had shorter survival, by an average of 22.5 months. CONCLUSIONS In total, 18.4% of MMs, including plasma cell leukemias, secrete distinctly higher amounts of serum free LCs than other intact Ig-secreting myelomas and confer significantly lower survival. Quantification of monoclonal serum free LCs may be useful in this subgroup in monitoring progress and potentially in ascertaining minimal residual disease. The findings also stress the need for separate criteria for kappa and lambda LC associated monoclonal gammopathic manifestations. The significantly shorter survival of patients with LC-predominant myelomas warrants consideration in prospective trials of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurmukh Singh
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Augusta, GA
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Division of Biostatistics and Data Sciences, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
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Singh G. Serum and Urine Protein Electrophoresis and Serum-Free Light Chain Assays in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Monoclonal Gammopathies. J Appl Lab Med 2020; 5:1358-1371. [PMID: 33150391 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfaa153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laboratory methods for diagnosis and monitoring of monoclonal gammopathies have evolved to include serum and urine protein electrophoresis, immunofixation electrophoresis, capillary zone electrophoresis, and immunosubtraction, serum-free light chain assay, mass spectrometry, and newly described QUIET. CONTENT This review presents a critical appraisal of the test methods and reporting practices for the findings generated by the tests for monoclonal gammopathies. Recommendations for desirable practices to optimize test selection and provide value-added reports are presented. The shortcomings of the serum-free light chain assay are highlighted, and new assays for measuring monoclonal serum free light chains are addressed. SUMMARY The various assays for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of monoclonal gammopathies should be used in an algorithmic approach to avoid unnecessary testing. Reporting of the test results should be tailored to the clinical context of each individual patient to add value. Caution is urged in the interpretation of results of serum-free light chain assay, kappa/lambda ratio, and myeloma defining conditions. The distortions in serum-free light chain assay and development of oligoclonal bands in patients' status post hematopoietic stem cell transplants is emphasized and the need to note the location of original monoclonal Ig is stressed. The need for developing criteria that consider the differences in the biology of kappa and lambda light chain associated lesions is stressed. A new method of measuring monoclonal serum-free light chains is introduced. Reference is also made to a newly defined entity of light chain predominant intact immunoglobulin monoclonal gammopathy. The utility of urine testing in the diagnosis and monitoring of light chain only lesions is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurmukh Singh
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
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