Multiple myeloma · lab guide
A plain-language guide to what these tests measure, how they fit together, and what the current workbook can and cannot show.
Myeloma monitoring combines markers of the plasma-cell clone with blood counts, kidney function, calcium, urine studies, symptoms, and sometimes bone-marrow or imaging results. The most useful blood marker depends on the type of myeloma and what was measurable before treatment. A reference range is a comparison for a lab result; it is not, by itself, a myeloma response score.
For discussion with the oncology team: This guide explains tests and summarizes workbook values. It cannot diagnose progression, remission, or a treatment response, and it should not be used to change treatment.
Myeloma cells may produce a monoclonal antibody protein (M-protein). Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) can show and quantify a discrete M-spike; immunofixation helps identify its type. Total protein measured during SPEP is not the same thing as an M-spike.
In this workbook: SPEP total protein is Loading.... There is no separate M-spike quantification or immunofixation result, so this sheet alone cannot show the amount or type of monoclonal protein.
These tests measure unbound antibody light chains. If a patient's myeloma produces one light chain, that involved chain and the kappa/lambda balance can be useful to follow over time. Kidney function and the laboratory assay also affect interpretation.
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IgG, IgA, and IgM measure the total amount of each antibody class; they do not separate normal antibody from a monoclonal protein. The patient's original myeloma type matters. Low levels can also reflect suppression of normal antibody production or treatment effects.
In this workbook: Loading... Confirm with the care team which marker represents the original myeloma protein.
The CBC tracks red cells, hemoglobin, platelets, and white cells. The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is more informative for neutrophil level than the neutrophil percentage alone. Myeloma in the marrow, treatment, infection, and other causes can all affect counts.
In this workbook: Loading... Low white cells/neutrophils can matter for infection precautions; anemia can contribute to fatigue. Follow the oncology team's instructions about fever or infection symptoms.
Creatinine and eGFR describe kidney filtration; calcium and albumin provide other health context. Beta-2 microglobulin is used with other information in staging and prognosis, but a single value does not stage disease or measure response on its own.
In this workbook: Loading... The listed eGFR interval (0–60) is unusual as an upper limit; verify the lab's intended reference rather than treating 61 as a definite abnormality.
A 24-hour urine total-protein result measures protein quantity, but does not identify its type. Urine electrophoresis or immunofixation may provide different information. Terms such as anisocytosis and ovalocytes describe red-cell size or shape; they do not specify a cause by themselves.
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Clinicians compare serial results with the patient's original measurable disease marker and use defined response criteria. They may also consider serum/urine M-protein testing, free-light-chain results, symptoms, blood counts, kidney function, bone marrow, and imaging.
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The current workbook shows a strong decline in free lambda and a ratio now within its listed range, but it does not contain every test needed to classify response. A normalized marker alone does not establish complete response or remission.
The workbook's reference intervals may not be the patient's individualized targets. Results are best compared over time using the same laboratory and assay, with treatment dates and clinical context.
This local guide reads the workbook-derived data file. To refresh its patient-specific examples after editing CleanResults.xlsx, run prepare_excel_plot_data.py.