KAPPA & LAMBDA LIGHT CHAINS

Kappa / Lambda light chains are a type of proteins produced by B-lymphocytes/Plasma cells, a subtype of white blood cells. These light chains normally circulate in your blood. The proportion between Kappa & Lambda light chains is normally maintained. Abnormal growth of atypical plasma cells can produce excess of Kappa / Lambda light chains and lead to Multiple Myeloma (MM). MM is a cancer of bone marrow affecting plasma cells. Normally plasma cells help you to fight infections but abnormal plasma cells produce abnormal proteins that cause complications. In MM there is excess production of one chain over the other. This test can be used to monitor myeloma disease progression & remission.