DIAGNOSTIC TEST 845

VGCC Antibodies

Diagnostic test for antibodies against VGCC. For suspicion of paraneoplastic neuropathy, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and cerebellar dysfunction.

Indication

Suspicion of paraneoplastic neuropathy, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and cerebellar dysfunction.

Method

The test is performed in serum and CSF with radioimmunoprecipitation (RIA).

Result

The result is reported as a concentration in pmol/L and as negative or positive.

Reference interval:

VGCC N type <110 pmol/L negative

VGCC P/Q type <40 pmol/L negative.

Interpretation

Calcium channel antibodies occur in paraneoplastic neuropathy in e.g. small cell lung cancer, but even without this association. Causes include Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and cerebellar dysfunction. It is primarily the VGCC P/Q type antibodies that are of clinical significance while the importance of VGCC N-type antibodies is less known.

Generally, treatment with immunotherapy is more effective against auto-antibodies directed to extracellular antigens than with auto-antibodies against intracellular antigens.

Antibodies against VGCC P/Q are graded as Intermediate-risk antibodies with an frequency of 50% (LEMS ; nearly 90% for rapidly progressive cerebellar syndrome) of underlying cancer and a positive result yield 2 points PNS score, according to Updated Diagnostic Criteria for Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes.

References

  • Dalmau J, Geis C, Graus F. Autoantibodies to Synaptic Receptors and Neuronal Cell Surface Proteins in Autoimmune Diseases of the Central Nervous System. Physiol Rev. 2017 Apr;97(2):839-887. PMID: 28298428
  • Alexopoulos H, Dalakas MC. The immunobiology of autoimmune encephalitides. J Autoimmun. 2019 Nov;104:102339. PMID: 31611142.
  • Graus F, et al. Updated Diagnostic Criteria for Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2021 May 18;8(4):e1014. PMID: 34006622

Included in these panels

Need pricing information?

Get a quote

How to order

This test is available worldwide for hospitals, clinics, and physicians.

  1. Print and complete the request form

    Download the request form. Clearly state the name and phone number of the referring hospital, clinic, or physician.

  2. Prepare your samples

    Serum: At least 0.5 mL serum (plain serum tubes without additives).
    CSF: At least 0.5 mL CSF (polypropylene tubes).

  3. Send samples and request form

    Within Sweden
    Samples can be sent at room temperature to:
    Envelopes and smaller boxes:
    Wieslab AB, Box 50117, 20211 Malmö, Sweden

    Larger boxes and frozen samples:
    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

    International
    Send samples cold to:
    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

Read our sampling instructions for more information

Last updated: 2025-08-18