VIVA Flashcards
(26 cards)
Why is calcium tested for MM?
Bones are destructed in MM, causing excess calcium to be released into bloodstream
Why is a serum electrophoresis test done for MM?
To test for paraprotein aka M protein. An abnormal antibody in MM, also known as monoclonal immunoglobulin, monoclonal protein (M protein), or M spike.
How does a serum electrophoresis test work?
separates proteins based on size and charge and monoclonal antibodies are highlighted (M spike), shown on the bands
What is the difference between a bone marrow biopsy and aspirate?
Biopsy - removes a small piece of marrow
Aspirate - extracts bone marrow liquid
Why is a bone marrow aspiration done?
to see if your blood cell counts are within a typical range. Or they may use an aspiration to check if cancer cells have spread to your bones
Why is a bone marrow biopsy done?
To see if cells in bone marrow are abnormal
Why is a flow cytometry test done?
To detect abnormal plasma cells - CD56, CD38, CD 138, CD319-positive, and CD19 and CD45-negative
Why is LDH tested for multiple myeloma?
When enzyme levels are high, it indicates myeloma cells rapidly dividing
Why is beta-2- microglobulin tested for multiple myeloma?
Protein found in blood - high levels indicate myeloma, as well as kidney function
What is usually found in an immunoglobulin test?
High levels of an immunoglobulin, often, IgG and IgA
What is the ultimate cause of hypercalcemia in MM?
bone destruction from osteolytic bone lesions due to neoplastic plasma cells - calcium leeched into bones
What happens when calcium is leeched inti bones?
they build up and cannot be excreted by kidneys due to renal impairment
Why is the kidney affected in MM?
Abnormal light chains form with another protein in the urine, forms casts, cast block the tubules so urine cannot flow out
What is multiple myeloma?
A blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow, affecting plasma cells
What does crab stand for?
C - calcium
R- renal impairment
A - Anaemia
B - bone damage
Why do patients with MM have aneamia?
cancer cells grow in bone marrow, so healthy cells cannot grow, reducing the number of red blood cells and haemoglobin
Why do patients with MM experience bone pain?
Myeloma cells damage bones - overtake normal bone marrow cells
What is the role of CD38 in multiple myeloma?
It is a glycoprotein that acts as a receptor
What is the role of CD56 in MM?
Overexpression on plasma cells, and progressive disease
What is the role of CD138 in MM?
A proteoglycan expressed in plasma cells, an important marker for diagnosing in MM
Why are corticosteroids used in multiple myeloma?
they stop white blood cells from travelling to cancerous myeloma cells, decreasing swelling, but high doses can kill myeloma cells
How does thalidomide treat MM?
Causes the degradation of two transcription factors which therefore stops growth and cell function
How does lenalidomide treat MM?
Vascular endothelial growth of myeloma cells is inhibited so they cannot form blood vessels
