The serum free light chain immunoassay is particularly sensitive in detecting and evaluating the response to treatment in monoclonal gammopathies because it specifically measures the free light chains of immunoglobulins in the serum. In conditions such as multiple myeloma or light chain amyloidosis, abnormal levels of free light chains can occur, and their quantification provides important information regarding disease activity and response to therapy.
This assay is particularly useful because it can detect changes in free light chain levels more quickly and sensitively than other methods, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of treatment and disease progression. As a result, monitoring these levels can guide clinical decisions regarding adjustments in therapeutic strategies.
In contrast, while serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation electrophoresis, and urine protein electrophoresis are all valuable diagnostic tools for evaluating monoclonal gammopathies, they may not be as sensitive in tracking changes in free light chain levels or in providing timely assessments of treatment response.