What does monoclonal protein mean?
Listen to pronunciation. (MAH-noh-KLOH-nul PROH-teen) An antibody found in unusually large amounts in the blood or urine of people with multiple myeloma and other types of plasma cell tumors. Also called M protein.
What is considered a high M protein level?
High levels mean the disease is more advanced and may indicate a poor prognosis. The presence of any M spike is abnormal and shows the presence of an abnormal clone of plasma cells. If the amount of protein is ≥30 g/L and/or there are other disease symptoms, the patient may have myeloma.
Is MGUS serious?
Because MGUS is not harmful, it doesn’t need to be treated. MGUS may lead to a more serious condition so checkups are needed throughout your life to find problems as early as possible.
What does an M spike indicate?
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).
Can M protein go away?
It doesn’t go away on its own, but it doesn’t usually cause symptoms or develop into a serious condition. A doctor will recommend regular checkups and blood tests to keep an eye on your health. Usually, these checkups start six months after first diagnosing MGUS.
Can you live a long life with MGUS?
We found that 10 and 15 years after diagnosis, MGUS patients have RSR of 82% and 70%, respectively. Prior studies have also shown a lower life expectancy in MGUS patients;5,6,10–12,19,20 however, in none of these were causes of death among MGUS patients compared to those of matched controls.
Is myeloma a death sentence?
Multiple myeloma was once considered a death sentence, but over the past 30 years, things have changed. Although multiple myeloma is still a very serious type of cancer, our ability to treat it is rapidly improving.
What is the longest survival rate for myeloma?
How long can a person live with multiple myeloma?
| Revised international staging system | Median survival |
|---|---|
| Stage I | 62 months (5 years, 2 months) |
| Stage II | 42 months (3.5 years) |
| Stage III | 29 months (2 years, 5 months) |
What are the symptoms of dying from myeloma?
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Pathological fractures (bone fracture without a trauma history)
- Bone pain.
- Nausea.
- Constipation.
- Loss of appetite.
- Loss of weight.
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
Can MGUS turn into leukemia?
Overall, MGUS patients had a higher risk of developing acute leukemia (ALL or AML) or MDS compared with controls, risk ratio 1.83 (P = 0.105) (Table 2).
How fast does MGUS progress?
Plasma cell MGUS is stable but can sporadically progress to multiple myeloma (MM) at an average rate of about 1% per year.