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P190 testing

My PCR regimen has always included testing for both p210 and p190.  Just curious if anyone else is also always tested for both of these translocations. My p190 test has always been negative.  Given this, should the p190 test be done every time the p210 test is done or is this just unnecessary over-testing?

From what I have read, only 1% of CP CML patients have p190 alone. Given you have always been negative for p190 so I would say this may well be over-testing/over worrying. Those with this breakpoint are rare and do not generally respond optimally to TKI therapy. As you have had good response to TKi therapy with low PCR results I think you can be confident that you are not one of that very rare group. 

On your latest PCR 'blip' - my last result was at 0.002% BCR/ABL1 and I am a 'transplant' patient - My BCR/ABL1 transcript levels have been at 0.002 and 0.001% for the last 3 years (SCT in 2003) which coincided with the Hammersmith Lab upgrade of their PCR methodology/machine etc. They had to counsel many SCT patients whose results suddenly showed low positivity from previously negative. 

My doctors are really relaxed about this molecular level.... at my last appt. 2 weeks ago the clinician said he didn't even know how to interpret such a low percentage. I do not lose sleep over this and always remind myself that if it were possible to test the general public for the presence of BCR/ABL1 then there would be many many people who would test positive. Only just over 1 in 100,000 of us go on to develop CML.... there must be a reason why but so far it's conjecture. Take heart, relax and enjoy your planned trip to the mountains. You are a very good responder to TKI therapy. 

Sandy

They do the same for me. I think it’s standard for the ticket.
Your oncologist would need to order additional mutation
testing before the lab will do it. This order would be
called for if your treatment was not working.
To some degree different mutations are more responsive
to different TKI’s. That you have the standard translocation means
that your treatment will be standard. That’s a good thing.
You got the right tool for the job.

Romo

Thanks for the response and encouraging words Sandy.  I know I overreacted, but I think it was in part due to my onc not providing this kind of feedback even though I know it form being part of this group. Also, testing PCR again in just 4 weeks and adding a PB FISH just seems like overkill, but this is not a battle I want to fight with him.  Hope you are well otherwise