You are here

A question about PCR result interpretation

Categories:

Hi

This is Laxmikant from India. I was diagnosed in May 2017 with CML. I have been getting good awareness from these forums. Thanks to all those who post their experiences. When I was diagnosed, the BCR ABL test ( quantitative) revealed that i have more than 10% myeloid cells. I was started with Veenat 400 mg (generic imatinib mesylate). I wanted to do PCR test after 6 months , but my haemotologist suggested I wait longer. I got it done after 9 months. The PCR report result was  0.0659%. I have appointment with doctor by weekend. But what I want to know is whether this is normal to for the count to come down so drastically within 9 months of treatment. when it was more than 10% at the time of detection, that report did not give how much  it is more than 10%, though my WBC count at the time of detection was never more than 22000. Can somebody throw some light on this? A reduction from more than 10% to 0.0659%.  Thanks in advance.

Hi Laxmikant. It is unusual in UK for there to be such a long gap between BCR ABL tests. In the early stages of medication many people start with monthly tests, and then go to one every 3 months.

The good news is that your reduction in BCR ABL at 9 months is a very good response. Getting to below 0.1% so quickly is a very good sign. If you have got to this level without too many side effects of the imatinib you're in a very good place for this stage of treatment. Well done.

There is nothing normal about how fast or slow that PCR numbers
go down, or not go down. There is only what your numbers do.
Your numbers are good. The gleevec is working.
Testing every month or every 6 months is only for edification.
What’s important is that you are not sick. If you are not sick
and your numbers are going down, you are winning.
It’s not who first crosses the finish line, there is no finish line.

happy life.

Romo

Hi Laxmikant.  Looks like your result is really fantastic.  My husband is on Imatinib and started at 90% myeloid cells and by 4 months was 6.06%.  Sometimes too good of a response brings on other problems but so far so good.  We are hoping for a 1% for his 6 month check.

All the best. 

Michelle

Thanks AlastairC, that was very reassuring. Yes I suffered from a few side effects initially like muscle cramps and digestive disturbances etc. But after six months they disappeared. I hope they do not reappear.

Thanks and I wish speedy response for your husband too. Best

Nice to  hear the same Romo. Thanks