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MGCS- Blood Disorder

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Monoclonal Gammopathies of Clinical Significance (MGCS)- what used to be simply MGUS or SMM is now more than that. 

“Monoclonal gammopathy of clinical significance (MGCS) refers to a recently coined term describing a complex and heterogeneous group of nonmalignant monoclonal gammopathies. These patients are characterized by the presence of a commonly small clone and the occurrence of symptoms that may be associated with the clone or with the monoclonal protein through diverse mechanisms.

This is an evolving, challenging, and rapidly changing field.

Patients are classified according to the key organ or system involved, with

  • kidneys,
  • skin,
  • nerves, and
  • eyes

being the most frequently affected. However, multiorgan involvement may be the most relevant clinical feature at the presentation or during the course…”

SBP, MGUS and SMM are pre-myeloma stages for multiple myeloma.

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance or MGUS is an asymptomatic blood disorder in which a paraprotein is found in the blood during standard laboratory blood tests” according to Wikipedia.

The good news is that MGUS is a blood disorder and is relatively harmless. The bad news is that MGUS as a blood disorder can lead to a diagnosis of full blown multiple myeloma- an incurable blood cancer.

According to a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, approximately 3% of people over 50 have MGUS. The percentage of African-Americans who have this blood disorder is approximately 5%. The same Mayo Clinic study estimated that the risk of MGUS patients progressing to Multiple Myeloma is 1.0-1.5 annually. This risk might not sound like much but that risk increases slightly each year for the rest of your life.

MGUS at a glance- 

MGUS can have many symptoms and can lead to many different health issues (see the list below).

I have listed many of the associated diseases simply to show you how complicated monoclonal proteins can be. Diagnosing and identifying your specific issues may be a challenge.

Have you been diagnosed with MGUS? Do you have symptoms despite your oncologist telling you that MGUS is asymptomatic?

You may have a “blood disorder” but drilling down to identify a specific disease may be a real challenge for your and your physician.

To Learn About Pre-Myeloma (SPB, MGUS, MGCS, SMM), diagnostics, symptoms and therapies- click now

Scroll down the page, post a question or comment and I will reply to you ASAP.

Hang in there,

Thank you,

David Emerson

  • Myeloma Survivor
  • Myeloma Cancer Coach
  • Director of PeopleBeatingCancer

Monoclonal gammopathies of clinical significance (MGCS): In pursuit of optimal treatment

  • “MGUS-associated peripheral nervous system involvement-
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
  • Distal acquired demyelinating symmetric neuropathy with monoclonal protein
  • Chronic ataxic neuropathy, ophthalmoplegia, IgM paraprotein, cold agglutinins, and disialosyl antibodies
  • Sporadic late onset nemaline myopathy
  • MGUS-associated cutaneous involvement
  • Schnitzler syndrome
  • Scleromyxedema
  • Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma
  • Hyperlipidemic and nonhyperlipidemic xanthomatosis
  • TEMPI syndrome
  • Acquired cutis laxa
  • Neutrophilic dermatosis
  • Clarkson disease (systemic capillary leak syndrome)
  • MGUS-associated ocular involvement
  • Paraproteinemic keratopathy
  • Maculopathy of monoclonal gammopathy

Conclusion

The spectrum of various disorders associated with MGUS, in the absence of MM, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, or other lymphoproliferative disorders, describes a new entity of MGCS, the management of which remains a subject of further research and is yet to be determined.

Apart from a few diseases, in which specific etiological or pathogenic therapeutic options are known (e.g., anakinra for Schnitzler syndrome or C1 inhibitor concentrate for acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency), treatment of MGCS involves myeloma-targeting agents or immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory medications, depending on the type of the disorder associated with M protein.

Leave a Comment:

24 comments
Debbie says 4 years ago

Thank you will look at the course and therapy!

Reply
    David Emerson says 4 years ago

    Good luck Debbie-

    Reply
Debbie says 4 years ago

Hello I’m 64 and was diagnosed with MGUS earlier this year. Sadly my hematology Doctor said same thing watch and wait. I have osteoarthritis and to low of bone density to have surgery. Been reading about micronutrients and foods to try to reverse OA but not sure if this blood disorder is just a death scentence. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks

Reply
    David Emerson says 4 years ago

    Hi Debby,

    First things first. No, MGUS is not a death sentence. I don’t believe osteoarthritis is a death sentence either. Conventional oncology does not consider MGUS to be cancer and they consider MGUS to be a “blood disorder.”

    While MGUS does increase your risk of a diagnosis of full-blown Multiple Myeloma, there are therapies shown by research to reduce this increased risk of MM. More importantly in your case, there are a number of evidence-based, non-toxic therapies shown to enhance bone health.

    From a conventional standpoint, you can undergo bisphosphonate therapy, either intravenously or orally. No surgery reguired to strengthen your bones.

    The coaching course linked below is designed for “pre-multiple myeloma.” Both MGUS and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM) are considered to be pre-MM. All of the evidence-based, non-toxic therapies outlined in the pre-MM online course are inexpensive and don’t require a prescription.

    The price of the course is up to you. We suggest a price of $24.00 but this is up to you. Let me know if you have any questions.

    Please click the link below.

    https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/product-category/pre-myeloma/

    Thank you,

    David Emerson
    MM survivor
    MM Coach
    Director PBC

    Reply
Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) Nerve Pain - PeopleBeatingCancer says 4 years ago

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MGUS- Lose Weight-Reduce Risk of Progression to Myeloma - PeopleBeatingCancer says 5 years ago

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Rebecca Moss says 6 years ago

David, I enjoyed your webinar an am wanting more info. The webinar stated you could get it for $19.99 but I can’t find the link for that price. I was diagnosed in 2006 with MGUS and 3rd degree kidney failure. The kidney function improved, I believe with the a clean 85% raw diet, not sugar, no meat, no dairy. Bone Marrow biopsy showed clear. I have been stable since then with my IgG monoclonal protein with kappa light chain not going over 0.2. My IgG and IgA remains low but steady. I would also like to get connected with the Facebook groups for support. I am excited to find something that tells me more than “wait and see”. Thanks,

Reply
    David Emerson says 6 years ago

    Hi Becky-

    The basic pre-MM program is linked below. I’m glad you liked the webinar. Producing videos has given me respect for anyone who says anything in front of a camera:-)

    I am glad to read that your kidney function is improving. Kidney damage will be your primary concern with IgG kappa light chain disease. You are doing well. I know of several mgus, smm survivors who have been living with pre-MM for more than 15 years.

    Let me know if you have any questions. David Emerson

    https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/product/basic-pre-myeloma-cancer-coaching-package/

    Reply
      Rebecca Moss says 6 years ago

      David,

      I received the program and will start reading it.

      I was suggested to me that maybe all of the started with Lyme’s Disease. My western bloc has come back negative but I’m sure I was exposed as a child. Has anyone you have worked with also had Lyme’s Disease.

      Thanks so much for your work.
      Becky

      Reply
        David Emerson says 6 years ago

        Hi Becky-

        Welcome to PeopleBeatingCancer. I have never worked with a client who talked about Lyme disease. While there are many links that come up when I search Lyme and MGUS, I can’t find any tradition sources to establish a direct link.

        Keep in mind that both pre-MM and frank MM are associated with several different viruses. Immune function is a common thread. Much of the pre-MM and MM programs are immune based.

        Good luck,

        David

        Reply
David Walker says 7 years ago

Hi, I was diagnosed with MGUS in January 2016 and gradually over this last year my M spike has risen from 10.2 to 13.4 but on my last visit had reduced by one point to 12.4.I am following a strict vegetarian diet and using turmeric everyday,I walk for half an hour a day and I have just started on a course of Gold Drops CBD which is expensive but is supposed to contain the cabinnoids from cannabis which are beneficial for patients with pain ETC.I have had a full skeletal xray which showed no bone lesions but I do suffer from back,hip nd foot pain. Is it possible hat my Mspike could reduce further if I carry on with this regime? Thank you for your time and interest.David Walker

Reply
    David Emerson says 7 years ago

    Hi David-

    I am sorry to read of your MGUS diagnosis but you appear to be managing your lifestyle therapies well. About your M-spike measurements. U.S. and British units of measurement differ a bit. I mention this only to point out that if you had your blood work done in the States your m-spike would be

    1) 1.02
    2) 1.34
    3) 1.24

    My point is that your numbers are pretty good. It is important to look at the trend. Any single test can be influenced by any number of factors. Further, nutrition, frequent but moderate exercise and supplementation are all positive therapies.

    Re your symptoms. Technically MGUS is “asymptomatic” meaning no bone pain, etc. But it is common for MGUS patients to experience both bone pain and nerve pain. My guess is that your back and hip pain is bone pain (joint) but your foot pain is nerve induced pain.

    Regardless, yes, it is possible to reduce your m-spike and symptoms. I encourage you to broaden your regime with other evidence-based nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle therapies.

    For the record I know of two women who have both been living with MGUS and or SMM for more than 18 years now. Yes, they both work at it but they are proud to tell people that they have remained pre-MM for a long, long time.

    I am a long-term MM survivor and MM cancer coach. The Pre-MM cancer coaching program is inexpensive and pretty easy to follow. Let me know if you would like to learn more about it.

    Hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
Carol Joyce says 7 years ago

I was recently diagnosed with MGUS and was sent to have skeletal xrays and a bone marrow biopsy. The xrays didn’t show any abnormalities except for those associated with my age. The biopsy showed 10% cancer cells… you can imagine my reaction to this news. My doctor is going to monitor me every 4 months (wait and see therapy). I can’t find anything on the internet for MGUS with cancer cells in the bone marrow. My doctor says I have nothing to worry about. Do you have any suggestions?
I already have an inflammatory disease-diabetes.

Reply
    David Emerson says 7 years ago

    Hi Carol-

    I am sorry to read of your MGUS diagnosis. I understand that you might feel negatively but keep in mind that you do not have cancer. You have a “blood disorder.” The reason why conventional oncology doesn’t offer any therapies is because of this designation.

    Yes, I have suggestions. I believe that you should consider those evidence-based, non-toxic therapies shown to reduce the risk of progression to full blown MM. Please click the link below to return to the page you read about MGUS, look on the right of the page to click the blue button. The webinar about the MGUS program is free. The program offers info about non-toxic therapies that are supported by research.

    MGUS Webinar

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
MGUS and HPV - PeopleBeatingCancer says 7 years ago

[…] Based on my experience and research I believe that all stages of pre-multiple myeloma- a single plasmacytoma, MGUS and SMM can all be managed in an effort to prevent a full-blown multiple myeloma diagnosis. In addition, it is clean that HPV can be resolved as well. […]

Reply
Debbie says 7 years ago

Hi David
I was diagnosed with MGUS a year and a half ago. Six months later I went back for blood work and it was gone. I just thought I was misdiagnosed. Just had blood work come back and the MGUS has returned. Have you ever heard of such a thing? I did take Cucurum in between and also took a drop of pure Frankincense under my tongue every day, then stopped after the blood work came back normal. What a roller coaster ride.

Reply
    David Emerson says 7 years ago

    Hi Debbie-

    Thanks for reaching out. Yes, I have heard of MGUS -> normal -> MGUS -> SMM, etc. like yours. The real question is do you have or remember the results of your monoclonal protein aka your M-spike? For example, did your M-spike rise, only to return to normal then spike again?

    Also, adding curcumin and frankincense to your day could very well return you to normal. Both therapies have been shown to down regulate MM. Curcumin has also been shown to down regulate MGUS.

    I encourage you to consume a “maintenance” dose of curcumin to your diet once again. I have been taking 400mg of curcumin for over 10 years. I know of no negative side effects of long term curcumin supplementation.

    I also encourage you to add other evidence-based, non-toxic MGUS and MM therapies to your day. I believe you have a lot to gain by avoiding a full blown diagnosis of MM.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Paul kahley says 7 years ago

I was recently diagnosed with mgus and was told there is nothing to do but monitor and wait. I find it hard to believe there are no treatments out there for this disorder of the m proteins . Please send me more information on how to treat this myself since the doctors don’t want to do anything for it

Reply
    David Emerson says 7 years ago

    Hi Paul-

    I am sorry to read of your MGUS diagnosis. You are correct. Conventional oncology advises MGUS patients to watch and wait. The available treatments are research based but non-conventional therapies. Meaning conventional oncology has a difficult time with concepts like inflammation, nutrition, and supplementation. The studies linked in the blog posts below cite therapies such as curcumin, and inflammation.

    Lowering inflammation in MGUS patients reduces the risk of progression to MM.

    Turmeric Curcumin, MGUS, and Multiple Myeloma

    Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) down-regulates the constitutive activation of nuclear factor-kappa B and IkappaBalpha kinase in human multiple myeloma cells, leading to suppression of proliferation and induction of apoptosis.

    Are you experiencing any symptoms from your MGUS such as peripheral neuropathy? How old are you? Do you have any other health issues that may affect your MGUS?

    I don’t mean to sound nosey. I am just trying to understand your situation fully.

    Thanks and let me know.

    David Emerson
    MM Survivor
    MM Cancer Coach

    Reply
      Wesley Wagner says 7 years ago

      Hello David,
      I was recently told by a oncologist that according to some recent blood work came back that I have MGUS. He advised me to go to Pain Management. My primary Dr. is taking the wait and see approach. I have extreme fatigue, headaches, nausea, nerve and bone pain, and unintentional weight loss. I am feeling like there is no one out there to help me with this. Very frustrating.By the way I am a 55yr. old white man. Not sure if any of my issues are from something else. They all seem to run under sytoms of this disease.

      Reply
        David Emerson says 7 years ago

        Hi Wesley-

        I am sorry to read of your MGUS diagnosis. Yes, I communicate with many MGUS patients who also feel frustrated. Since MGUS is pre-multiple myeloma and is supposed to be asymptomatic MD’s take a wait and see approach. Did your doctor give you your blood results? Do you know your M-spike for example?

        Several things to consider. It is my habit to link studies and articles to support my statements. The info and patient feedback linked below confirms that MGUS can cause various types of pain.

        The issue you are interested in is what to do about your MGUS and related symptoms. There are no conventional or FDA approved therapies for MGUS. However studies confirm two non-conventional approaches. Curcumin and weight-loss.

        Since you have already lost weight I don’t think you are over weight. As for the anti-MM properties of curcumin, I encourage you to pursue those therapies that act like curcumin. Nutrition, supplementation (curumin and others), bone health, lifestyle and even mind-body therapies.

        While I’m confidant that these non-toxic therapies will reduce your risk of getting full-blown myeloma I can’t tell you when your symptoms will abate. I can estimate based on my experience but I am not an oncologist. My experience is that of a long-term MM survivor.

        Do you have the blood work results? Do you have any questions?

        David Emerson
        MM Survivor
        MM Cancer Coach

        Nerve pain. See the study below.
        Neuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance.

        Fatigue, bone pain, headaches, nausea-
        http://www.myelomabeacon.com/forum/mgus-with-lots-of-pain-t3986.html

        Reply
Greg Josephs says 8 years ago

Diagnosed with MGUS last month by a hematologist, I was counseled to watch and wait. That’s not my nature, though, especially with Myasthenia Gravis. Anyone have a similar experience? Really enjoy hearing from you.

Reply
    David Emerson says 8 years ago

    Hi Greg-

    Thanks very much for reaching out. I have been working with all stages of MM since 2004 and I’ve never worked with or read about MGUS and MG in any way. I do encourage MGUS patients NOT to watch and wait and I’ve researched a regimen for this blood condition (as I have for MMers) but I have no experience with MG and therefore have no idea as to how the regimen is influenced by MG.

    The post linked below cites a Pubmed study and a Youtube video that cite a supplement that lowers proteins of MGUS patients and therefore reduces the risk of a full blown MM diagnosis.

    https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/treat-your-mgus-naturally/

    There are other anti-MM supplements, anti-MM nutrition, and lifestyle therapies as well. Let me know if you would like to learn more about MM cancer coaching.

    thanks and hang in there,

    David Emerson

    Reply
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