what should your test numbers be after multiple myeloma treatment

by Kyler Bernier MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Complete blood count (CBC)18–20

Full Answer

How often should I have my blood tested if I have multiple myeloma?

Complete Blood Count (CBC) With Differential. White blood cell count (WBC) Normal range a. 3.5-10.5x10 9 /L. Red blood cell count (RBC) Normal range a. Males: 4.32-5.72 x 10 12 /L. Normal range a. Females: 3.90-5.03 x 10 12 /L.

How do you assess multiple myeloma?

Checks the level of certain substances such as calcium, serum creatinine, and liver enzymes. The results may show how multiple myeloma is affecting your bones, heart, kidneys, and liver. Blood test. Immunoglobulin levels. Why you may need this test. Helps to monitor multiple myeloma by counting abnormal antibodies.

What is the normal range for multiple myeloma?

Jul 19, 2021 · Evaluate your response to treatment. Monitor remission periods and determine when to start treatment again. Monitor for disease-related and treatment-related side effects. Tests for multiple myeloma patients fall into three major categories: Blood tests and urine tests. Bone marrow tests. Imaging studies.

Can I compare my myeloma test results to others?

Get information about how to live well after multiple myeloma treatment and make decisions about next steps. Living as a Cancer Survivor For many people, cancer treatment often raises questions about next steps as a survivor.

What is good numbers for multiple myeloma?

Normal range: 0.57-2.63 mg/dL

Multiple myeloma or another plasma cell disorder may be indicated by increased lambda free light chains and a decreased kappa/ lambda ratio.

How do you know if multiple myeloma is in remission?

Remission after transplantation — The strict definition of remission requires that there are no signs or symptoms of multiple myeloma and that highly sensitive tests cannot detect any abnormal plasma cells. This type of remission occurs in about 50 to 60 percent of people after autologous transplantation.Dec 10, 2021

What is considered a high level of M protein?

People who have high-risk MGUS have any of the following features: The M-protein level is more than 15 g/L. The type of M-protein is IgA or IgM. The free light chain ratio is abnormal.

What is a high M spike number?

Patients with a higher M spike (greater than 1.5 g/dL) or abnormal SFLC ratio are at a higher risk of disease progression. In addition, patients with IgM or IgA MGUS have a higher rate of developing myeloma than patients with IgG MGUS.

How long before multiple myeloma comes back?

A 2016 study found that early relapse, or relapse within 12 months of starting therapy for multiple myeloma, leads to a higher risk of poorer outcomes. However, these data are from 2016, and the survival rates for multiple myeloma are steadily improving due to advancing research and new and effective treatments.Nov 24, 2021

Does multiple myeloma always return?

If you have multiple myeloma, there's a good chance it will come back after successful treatment. When this happens, it's called recurrent or relapsed. If it doesn't respond to treatment or comes back within 60 days after your last therapy, it's known as refractory.Oct 29, 2021

How do you know when multiple myeloma is getting worse?

As active multiple myeloma gets worse, you'll likely feel sicker, with fatigue or bone pain. You may have anemia, bleeding problems, or a lot of infections. Other symptoms of advanced multiple myeloma include unusual fractures, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling very thirsty, and belly pain.May 27, 2021

How high is total protein in multiple myeloma?

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.

How high is IgG in multiple myeloma?

In people with multiple myeloma, 70% have high levels of IgG protein, 20% have high levels of IgA and 5–10% produce only immunoglobulin light chains (Bence-Jones proteins).

How high is IgA in multiple myeloma?

Serum M-protein levels were higher in patients with IgG (median, 33 g/l; range, 0–97 g/l) than in those with IgA (median, 21 g/l; range, 0–87 g/l), while lowest levels were recorded in patients with IgD MM (median, 3 g/l; range, 0·01–45 g/l).

Can an M spike go away?

There's no way to treat MGUS. 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 6 months after first diagnosing MGUS.

Can M spike decrease?

Impact of M-spike response on median overall survival

Ninety-two (63%) patients achieved at least a 50% reduction in the initial M spike after 4 months of therapy.

Living as a Cancer Survivor

For many people, cancer treatment often raises questions about next steps as a survivor.

Cancer Concerns After Treatment

It is very common to have questions about cancer coming back or treatment no longer working.

What are the symptoms of multiple myeloma?

Other symptoms of advanced multiple myeloma include unusual fractures, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling very thirsty, and belly pain. Refractory myeloma is when your disease doesn't respond to treatment or comes back after treatment.

What is the staging system for multiple myeloma?

There are two systems that identify the stages of multiple myeloma. The newer one, which doctors use most often, is the revised international staging system (RISS). It predicts how well you'll do with treatment. It measures four things to figure out how aggressive your cancer is: Albumin levels.

Is there a cure for multiple myeloma?

There's no cure for multiple myeloma, but treatment can bring it into remission, meaning you don't have any sign of the disease. The same tests your doctor uses to know if you have multiple myeloma will also help them tell what stage it's in. They include: Blood tests. Urine tests. Bone marrow tests.

Can multiple myeloma cause fatigue?

As active multiple myeloma gets worse, you'll likely feel sicker, with fatigue or bone pain. You may have anemia, bleeding problems, or a lot of infections. Other symptoms of advanced multiple myeloma include unusual fractures, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling very thirsty, and belly pain.

Can multiple myeloma cause shortness of breath?

You may have anemia, bleeding problems, or a lot of infections. Other symptoms of advanced multiple myeloma include unusual fractures, shortness of breath, weakness, feeling very thirsty, and belly pain. Recurrent or Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma.

How long does it take for myeloma to progress?

This is a relapse of disease when you've had some response to treatment, then either get non-responsive while on salvage therapy (treatment given when standard treatment doesn't work) or progress within 60 days of your last treatment. Primary refractory myeloma.

Is albumin level normal?

Your levels of albumin, B2M, and LDH are normal or close to it. The genetic makeup of your cancer cells doesn't make it particularly aggressive. Multiple myeloma is most treatable at this stage, but most people don't know they have it until it's more advanced.

What is the survival rate of a myeloma?

Survival rates for myeloma are generally based on if a single plasmacytoma is found or if multiple myeloma is diagnosed. But other factors, such as the tumor’s cytogenetics (chromosome changes), the levels of certain proteins and other substances in the blood, your kidney function, your age and overall health, can also affect your outlook.

How long do you live with multiple myeloma?

Survival rates tell you what percentage of people with the same type and stage of cancer are still alive a certain amount of time (usually 5 years) after they were diagnosed.

What is SEER database?

The American Cancer Society relies on information from the SEER* database, maintained by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), to provide survival statistics for different types of cancer. The SEER database tracks 5-year relative survival rates for multiple myeloma in the United States, based on how far the cancer has spread. ...

What is the test for protein in blood?

The level of protein in the blood is measured by a total serum protein test. If the test results show abnormal protein levels, then multiple myeloma, kidney, liver, blood, and other autoimmune diseases may be indicated.

What does BUN mean in blood work?

BUN is a measure of the level of urea in your blood. BUN levels must be carefully monitored in multiple myeloma. Elevated BUN levels may be a sign of kidney dysfunction.

What is the function of neutrophils in the body?

Neutrophils are a type of WBC responsible for much of the body’s protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Since a reduction in neutrophils increases the risk for infection, a neutrophil count must be closely monitored throughout treatment.

What does B2M mean?

B2M is a protein produced by malignant cells. It can be a useful indicator of a patient’s prognosis (outlook). High levels mean the disease is more advanced and may indicate a poor prognosis.

What does electrophoresis show?

Electrophoresis can then determine if this comes from clones of a cancerous plasma cell.

Why do we produce IgM antibodies?

Your body produces IgM antibodies to help the immune system fight infections in the blood. They are the first or primary Ig produced following exposure to an antigen (a foreign substance).

What is the arrow in urine protein electrophoresis?

urine protein electrophoresis is a test that estimates how much of certain proteins you have in your urine. The arrow in this diagram corresponds to the M spike (M protein) in the urine, as seen in the UPEP.

What is ASCO follow up?

Be sure to ask about any concerns you have about your future physical or emotional health. ASCO offers forms to help keep track of the cancer treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan once treatment is completed.

What is ASCO for cancer?

ASCO offers forms to help keep track of the cancer treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan once treatment is completed. This is also a good time to talk with your doctor about who will lead your follow-up care. Some survivors continue to see their oncologist, while others transition back to the general care ...

What is follow up care?

This is called follow-up care. Your follow-up care may include regular physical examinations, medical tests, or both. Doctors want to keep track of your recovery in the months and years ahead. Your doctor may recommend maintenance therapy to prevent cancer recurrence. Most patients requiring treatment for systemic myeloma are also treated on ...

What is the goal of cancer rehabilitation?

The goal of rehabilitation is to help people regain control over many aspects of their lives and remain as independent and productive as possible. Learn more about cancer rehabilitation. Learn more about the importance of follow-up care.

What are the long term effects of cancer?

Long-term and late effects can include both physical and emotional changes. Talk with your doctor about your risk of developing such side effects based on the type of cancer, your individual treatment plan, and your overall health.

Does multiple myeloma increase with age?

The risk of developing multiple myeloma increases with age. Risk is also higher for: people with a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) If you have MGUS, M proteins are in your blood, but you don’t have the disease. Multiple myeloma can cause different symptoms including:

What is the cause of multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer caused by malignant plasma cells in your bone marrow. Plasma cells produce antibodies that help your body fight infections. If you have multiple myeloma your plasma cells produce unhealthy antibodies called monoclonal proteins (M proteins). The accumulation of M proteins in your body can damage organs like your ...

Can a urine sample be used to diagnose kidney disease?

Your doctor may use a urine sample to diagnose the disease. A urine analysis can detect M proteins in your urine. Since this protein can damage your kidneys, a urine sample also helps your doctor check how well your kidneys are functioning.

What is the procedure to remove plasma cells from bone marrow?

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Since plasma cells are found in your bone marrow, your doctor may order a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration. During this procedure, you’ll be given local anesthesia. Your doctor will then insert a needle into a bone and remove a sample of bone marrow.

What does an imaging test show?

Your doctor may order imaging tests to look inside your body. Imaging tests can show problems with your bones, like holes that develop due to a tumor. Imaging tests can include the following:

What is the first stage of a disease?

Based on your results, your doctor may classify your disease as stage 1, stage 2, or stage 3. A stage 1 diagnosis is an early stage of the disease. This means your outlook is more favorable than a stage 3 diagnosis.

What does stage 3 mean?

A stage 3 diagnosis indicates an aggressive form of the disease that may have already started to affect your bones and organs. There are two systems used to stage multiple myeloma.