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Myeloma cells characteristically produce and release into either
the blood or urine monoclonal proteins. Monoclonal proteins are
referred to as either, M-protein, para protein or M spike. They
are terms that mean the same thing.
The monoclonal protein is an immunoglobulin and in myeloma cells
one or more mutations have occurred in the genes responsible for
immunoglobulin production. Typically, the antibody function of
the immunoglobulin is lost and since it is not performing its
antibody function normally, more and more are produced therefore
causing an increase in protein levels. (For more information
please refer to
Multiple Myeloma Concise Review Of The Disease And
Treatment Options)
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