Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides a method for characterising a plasma cell associated disease in a patient comprising: (i) providing at least one sample from the patient; (ii) determining in the sample(s) two or more of; (a) the κ:λ free light chain (FLC) ratio; (b) the ratio of κ light chains bound to a class of heavy chain:λ light chain bound to the same class of heavy chain (HLCκ:HLC λ ratio); (c) the total amount of FLC in the samples and (d) the total amount of κ light chains bound to the heavy chain class plus λ light chains bound to the same heavy chain class (total HLC); (iii) comparing each ratio or amount from (a) (b), (c) and/or (d) to predetermined values and assigning a score to each amount or ratio; and (iv) using the scores to characterise the plasma cell associated disease. Apparatus configured to carry out the method of the invention are also provided. The invention also provides a kit comprising, in combination, (i) anti-κ FLC specific and anti-λ FLC specific antibodies or fragments thereof and (ii) anti-κ heavy chain class specific and anti-λ heavy chain class specific antibodies or fragments thereof, optionally mixed together.

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First Claim