lambda vs. kappa

I am still not too clear on what the normals are of Kappa and Lambda light chains and what is their significance. Mine has gone up slightly (Lambda); I believe it has gone up to 3 which I am not happy about. I believe Kevin is quite knowledgable on the
values and significance of these tests. The nurse said that other things can cause a rise such as a cold or other illnesses.
Thank you very much for any help you can be.
God Bless You All.
Molly2

Molly,

Can you give us a little more information on your test results?  Prior values, units, "reference range" for your clinic.  This is one test where different labs use different units and you sometimes have to convert.  Absolute values are not as helpful as seeing the change in value over time.  If your units are mg/L, 3 is still within the "normal" range.

Some general info:  It starts to get worrisome when the ration goes over two for kappa secreters -- sorry I don't know the informaton so well for lambda secreters but I believe they want it to be above 0.3.  The ratio is important since if the ratio is within the normal range even when your kappa and/or lambda values go up, this can mean something else.

Let us know more if you can.

Janet (in Idaho)

kappa light chain mm

Which type of MM do you have?

Doug (N. Utah) Lambda LC MM 

 

Hi Janet and Doug: I was diagnosed with Ig lambda myeloma in March 2005. At that time my lambda free light chain was 20.7 per dl. It is now 3. I am on a weekly maintenance Velcade protocol. I do not have copies of the latest lab report so I'm not sure of the reference range. I hope this is of help. Molly 2

Good Evening Molly;

Kappa FLC range is 3.30-19.40

Lambda FLC range is 5.71-26.80

Kappa/Lambda Ration range is 0.26-1.65

I do not have copies of the latest lab report so I'm not sure of the reference range.

Always get copies of any exams you have performed. Keep them as reference to see how you are progressing in your fight.

Take care;

Kevin