Pathogenicity of Monoclonal Immunoglobulin Light Chains

Wednesday, July 29
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Hilton Anaheim, California A
Presented by Helena Laboratories Corporation

Overview

Monoclonal light chains are produced by malignant plasma cells, either alongside intact monoclonal immunoglobulins in typical multiple myeloma or as the sole product in light chain–only myeloma. In both forms, elevated levels of free monoclonal light chains are associated with renal damage and a poorer prognosis, often reflected by a reduction in survival of approximately two years.

In intact immunoglobulin myelomas, light chain–predominant disease is diagnosed when the level of monoclonal light chains per gram of intact immunoglobulin exceeds defined thresholds. For kappa-associated lesions, this threshold is greater than 67.0 mg of light chain per gram of monoclonal immunoglobulin, while for lambda-associated myelomas, the corresponding value is 43.5 mg/g.

Outcome

1. Understand the diagnostic criteria for light chain–predominant multiple myeloma.
2. Understand the differences in light chain levels and diagnostic thresholds for kappa- and lambda-associated lesions.
3. Appreciate the pathogenic role of monoclonal light chains as a major contributor to renal failure and reduced survival.

Moderator

Robert S. Galen, MD, MPH
Professor Emeritus, Epidemiology & Biostatistics
University of Georgia College of Public Health

Speaker

Gurmukh Singh, MD, PhD
Professor Emeritus
Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University