Mass Spectrometry for Identification, Monitoring, and Minimal Residual Disease Detection of M-Proteins
M-protein diagnostics can be challenging in individual patients because of patient-specific unique features. In addition, more sensitive assays are needed because improved treatment of patients with MG has resulted in deeper responses, with an increased number of patients who obtain CR in which no disease activity is observed with routine M-protein diagnostics. Recent IMWG recommendation states that the development of blood based MRD monitoring should be the goal, as it allows for serial sampling without the trauma of repeated bone marrow aspirations and ensures assessment of extramedullary disease, which is not evaluated by bone marrow biopsy.