Multi-center Screening for Serum M Protein

Epidemiological Characteristics Associated With Precursor Lesions of Multiple Myeloma Using Serum M Protein Screening: a Multi-center, Prospective Cohort Study.

This study aims to utilize a highly sensitive method for detecting M protein in serum to examine the prevalence of M protein in various age groups of individuals aged over 30 who underwent physical examinations in different regions of China. Furthermore, the study seeks to analyze the relationship between physical examination indicators and the presence of serum M protein (as measured by relative intensity) in the study participants at the time of enrollment. Additionally, a 5-year follow-up period will be employed to observe the association between annual physical examination indicators and clinical outcomes in subjects identified with positive/negative serum M protein screening.

Monoclonal gammopathy (MG) is an asymptomatic premalignant clonal proliferation of plasma cells. The onset of this condition is typically concealed and often serendipitously discovered by patients through various clinical symptoms or the detection of monoclonal gamma globulin (M protein) using protein electrophoresis during disease evaluation. Although monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) usually remains asymptomatic, it can progress to multiple myeloma (MM) over time. With the aging population, the prevalence of MGUS continues to rise among the general population. Therefore, it is crucial to screen individuals over the age of 50, or even younger, for serum M protein.

Currently, the investigators have established a highly sensitive and high-throughput flight mass spectrometry-based method for detecting M protein. In this study, the investigators aim to conduct a nationwide, multicenter, and prospective follow-up study involving participants from the general physical examination population. The study's objective is to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of targeted serum M protein screening for precancerous lesions in multiple myeloma. The investigators will assess the proportion of individuals with positive serum M protein in different age groups within the physical examination population aged over 30 from various regions in China. Additionally, the investigators will analyze the correlation between physical examination indicators such as liver and kidney function and the presence of serum M protein. Furthermore, the investigators will analyze the relationship between serum M protein levels, disease progression, and other clinical outcomes through annual follow-up assessments.

Inclusion Criteria:

(1) Screening stage

1. Over 30 years old.
2. Volunteer to participate in this study and sign an informed consent form.

(2) Follow up stage

1. According to previous studies, a positive rate of 5% -8% was found in subjects with positive M protein screening. Each sub center included approximately 50-80 positive subjects based on actual conditions. At the same time, control subjects with negative M protein testing were matched by age and gender parameter 1:1.
2. Volunteer to participate in the follow-up phase of the study and sign an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

(1) Screening stage

1) Previously diagnosed with hematological diseases such as plasma cell or other B lymphocyte proliferative diseases.

Culling criteria:

1. Samples with incomplete or untraceable subject data.
2. Unqualified samples: including serum samples with severe hemolysis, fatty blood or jaundice, insufficient sample, and samples not stored as required.
3. The subject requested to withdraw from the study midway.
4. Duplicate samples of subjects at the same time point.