Lambda restricted light chain as pathogenic cause of POEMS syndrome: a review of the hypothesis.

POEMS syndrome is a rare and chronic paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin changes. The pathophysiology of this disease is not well understood, but current research focuses on the increase in VEGF and the highly restrictive nature of λ light chains produced by monoclonal plasma cells. Recently, studies have looked deeper into the possibility of these λ light chains being a major factor in onset and progression of this disease focusing on molecular mimicry and links to viral infections. This mini review will summarize current literature on POEMS syndrome as well as hypothesize and analyze the role of the λ light chain in the pathophysiology of the disease.