Overview of Monoclonal Gammopathies

Monoclonal proteins are produced as a result of the clonal proliferation of plasma cells that reside in the bone marrow, producing antibodies

Monoclonal proteins can refer to: Intact Immunoglobulins (Igs) and/or free light chains (FLCs)Benign asymptomatic monoclonal gammopathies include Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) and Smouldering Mulitple Myeloma.

These are secreted into the serum and are surrogate markers of tumor burden.

The most common malignant monoclonal gammopathy is Multiple Myeloma (MM).

Laboratory testing plays an important role in the management of monoclonal gammopathies:

• Diagnosis - to support a diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy
• Prognosis - to predict patient outcomes
• Monitoring - to assess response to treatment

International Guidelines have been established to support best practice.

Freelite and Hevylite are laboratory tests to detect monoclonal free light chains and intact immunoglobulins. Used together, they allow optimal detection in monoclonal gammopathies.