Myeloma : M Component

Image 15 of 66

Image Description

Serum protein electrophoresis is used to screen for monoclonal immunoglobin in patients suspected of having a plasma cell disorder. The serum from a patient with plasma cell myeloma shows a sharp band (M component) in the gamma region instead of a blush or a smear as depicted in this graphic. The M component is then further characterized by immunofixation technique in which it is allowed to react with specific antisera (heavy chains IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE; light chains kappa and lambda). The most frequently found M component is IgG (about 50% of cases) followed by IgA (20%), light chains only (20%) and rare cases (1%-2%) of IgD, IgE, IgM, and biclonal myelomas..

The total immunoglobulin level is increased due to the M component, whereas the normal polyclonal immunoglobulins and albumin levels may be decreased. With immunofixation electrophoresis, an M component can be identified in serum or urine in almost 97% of plasma cell myelomas. The M component may not be detectable in non-secretory myelomas (3% of cases) as well as in IgD, IgE, and light chain-producing myelomas where the levels may be below detection threshold. Image source: Simon Caulton - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Original Source is here.

About the Disease

Plasma cell disorders are B-cell neoplasms composed of plasma cells or lymphocytes that secrete a monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) or Ig fragment. They are responsible for about 15% of deaths caused by lymphoid malignancies in the US. The monoclonal Ig, usually identified by serum or urine protein electrophoresis, is known as the M component. Sometimes the M component consists of only light chains or heavy chains. Free light chains are referred to as Bence-Jones proteins when they are excreted in urine. The WHO Classification (2008) of plasma cell neoplasms includes the following: Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS): MGUS refers to an asymptomatic patient with an M component (<3 gm/dl) in their blood. It is the most common plasma cell disorder and is seen in about 5% of individuals >70 years of age. About 1% of MGUS patients per year develop multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, macroglobulinemia, or other lymphoproliferative disorder. The median interval between the diagnosis of MGUS and the development of malignancy is about 10.5 years. Plasma Cell Myeloma: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell neoplasm of older individuals that is characterized by scattered tumorous masses causing lytic bone lesions in the axial skeleton, hypercalcemia, renal damage, and acquired immune abnormalities. Solitary Plasmacytoma: About 3% to 5% of patients with plasma cell disorders present with solitary bone or soft tissue mass. An M component may be found in serum or urine in a small percentage of cases. Solitary bone plasmacytoma slowly progresses to multiple myeloma in most cases. Extraosseous plasmacytomas involve lungs, nasopharynx, oropharynx, or nasal sinuses and can often be cured by resection. Immunoglobulin Deposition Diseases: This group includes primary amyloidosis (PA) and light- or heavy- chain deposition disease. Immunoglobulins are deposited in various tissues eventually leading to organ failure. About 20% of PA patients have multiple myeloma (MM). The remainder don't meet the criteria for MM but have a small M component and increased plasma cells in bone marrow. Osteosclerotic Myeloma (POEMS Syndrome): Osteosclerotic myeloma is usually associated with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin lesions (POEMS syndrome). Some patients also develop Castleman's disease, serous effusions, and thrombocytosis.

Image 15 of 66