Patent ID: 8415110
Filing Date: 2013-04-09
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting, monitoring or diagnosing a malignant plasma cell disease in an individual patient, said method comprising obtaining a first sample from said individual patient; contacting said first sample with at least one antibody, or a Fab or F(ab′) contacting said first sample with light chain class antibodies, or a Fab or F(ab′) removing unbound immunoglobins and free light chains; conducting an immunoassay on said first sample to determine for said individual patient a first ratio between the measured relative amounts of immunoglobulins having a heavy chain class bound to λ light chains, compared to immunoglobulins having the same heavy chain class but bound to κ light chains; comparing said first ratio to a second ratio, said second ratio comprising the relative amounts of immunoglobins having a heavy chain class bound to λ light chains, compared to immunoglobulins having the same heavy chain class but bound to κ light chains in comparing said first ratio to a threshold value obtained from population data analysis of measured ratios between the amounts of immunoglobulins having a heavy chain class bound to λ light chains, relative to immunoglobulins having the same heavy chain class but bound to κ light chains in samples obtained from individuals without the disease; wherein a deviation of said first ratio from said second ratio or said threshold value indicates the presence of a malignant plasma cell disease and/or the progression/regression of the disease.