What are paraproteins in the blood?

A paraprotein is a monoclonal immunoglobulin or light chain present in the blood or urine; it is produced by a clonal population of mature B cells, most commonly plasma cells. In individuals aged >50 years the incidence of a paraprotein is 3.2%.

Why the investigation of paraproteins is useful in multiple myeloma patients?

In MGUS, the type and quantity of paraprotein and the presence of abnormal serum FLCs can determine the risk of transformation to overt multiple myeloma. These parameters are used to help determine the frequency of monitoring.

How are paraproteins produced?

Abstract. Paraproteins are monoclonal immune globulin fragments or intact immune globulins produced by usually a malignant cone of plasma cells or B cells. These proteins are associated with a spectrum of kidney disorders caused by either direct effects on the kidney cells or deposition in various kidney cells.

How do you detect paraproteins?

A paraprotein can be detected in the blood using tests called Serum Protein Electrophoresis and Serum Free Light Chains. These will detect slightly different kinds of paraproteins (“Intact Paraprotein” or “Light Chain”), but they are both produced by the same process and are usually managed the same way.

What kind of myeloma has no paraproteins?

This is called ‘light chain’ myeloma. In this instance, patients are monitored using light chain levels. More rarely, in less than 1% of patients, the abnormal plasma cells produce no detectable paraprotein or light chains; known as ‘non-secretory myeloma’.

What kind of protein is produced in multiple myeloma?

Myeloma protein. Serum protein electrophoresis showing a paraprotein (spike/peak in the gamma zone) in a patient with multiple myeloma. A myeloma protein is an abnormal immunoglobulin fragment, such as an immunoglobulin light chain, that is produced in excess by an abnormal monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells, typically in multiple myeloma.

How are paraprotein and light chains used to monitor myeloma?

Monitoring myeloma with the paraprotein and light chains For those that produce a paraprotein, it is often the easiest way to keep track of the myeloma’s activity. When myeloma is active, we will see a rise in paraprotein and when myeloma is responding to treatment, we will see a decrease in paraprotein.

How are paraproteins used in the immune system?

Plasma cells form part of our immune system producing proteins called antibodies (immunoglobulins) to help our body fight infection. In myeloma, these plasma cells become abnormal, multiply uncontrollably and produce a large amount of a single type of antibody (known as paraprotein or M-protein) which has no useful function.