Testing at relapse for patients not participating in a clinical trial
Serum |
Electrophoresis (SPEP) and immunofixation (SIFE) |
Quantitative Ig |
Free light chains (FLC) |
Complete blood count with differential |
Renal function, calcium |
Lactate dehydrogenase |
Albumin and β-2 microglobulin |
Urine |
24-h collection for total protein, electrophoresis, and immunofixation (may not be necessary if patient meets criteria for progressive disease by serum studies3 ) |
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy* |
Histology |
Flow cytometry |
Karyotype |
FISH on CD138-selected plasma cells |
Imaging |
X-ray (skeletal survey or imaging of targeted areas) |
Positron emission tomography–computed tomography |
Magnetic resonance imaging of spine and pelvis or whole body (as clinically indicated) |
Serum |
Electrophoresis (SPEP) and immunofixation (SIFE) |
Quantitative Ig |
Free light chains (FLC) |
Complete blood count with differential |
Renal function, calcium |
Lactate dehydrogenase |
Albumin and β-2 microglobulin |
Urine |
24-h collection for total protein, electrophoresis, and immunofixation (may not be necessary if patient meets criteria for progressive disease by serum studies3 ) |
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy* |
Histology |
Flow cytometry |
Karyotype |
FISH on CD138-selected plasma cells |
Imaging |
X-ray (skeletal survey or imaging of targeted areas) |
Positron emission tomography–computed tomography |
Magnetic resonance imaging of spine and pelvis or whole body (as clinically indicated) |
FLC, serum free light chains; Ig, immunoglobulin; SIFE, serum immunofixation; SPEP, serum protein electrophoresis.
May not be necessary if serum and/or urine studies demonstrate relapse and clinical picture is consistent with myeloma. Must be done if patient is oligo- or nonsecretory.