Timely Diagnosis of Myeloma in Populations with Comorbidities and Health Disparities: Testing Considerations

Plasma cell dyscrasias (PCDs) are a group of diseases, including Multiple Myeloma, characterized by the presence of monoclonal proteins in the blood or urine due to plasma cell proliferation in the bone marrow. The presenting symptoms can often mimic those of more common conditions, such as diabetes. To accurately screen for and diagnose these disorders, various tests are required, including but not limited to serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), serum and urine immunofixation (IFE), and serum free light chain assays.

Abstract

Dr. Joseph Mikhael will discuss healthcare disparities that contribute to delayed Multiple Myeloma diagnoses and poor outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted screening in high-risk Black/African American and Hispanic communities with comorbidities.

Dr. Christopher Farnsworth will present a comparative study of two serum free light chain assays—Freelite and Sebia ELISA—conducted on 176 patients with comorbidities, excluding Multiple Myeloma and other plasma cell disorders, 33% of whom are Black/African American. This webinar will examine the clinical specificity of these assays (68.7% vs. 87.5%) in diagnosing plasma cell disorders in patients with complex health conditions.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the importance of health disparities in plasma cell disorders and its impact on testing
• Discuss Analytical considerations of the test panel/methods ordered
• Identify Clinical Implications of result sensitivity and specificity
• Provide a rational approach to testing for plasma cell disorders, especially in populations with health disparities