You are here

Question about TFR

Dx on June 14, 2018 with 12.66% bcr-abl.  Started treatment on July 5, 2018 f 400 mg Imatinib daily.  Last blood draw was June 3rd.  Here is report from my hematologist, Winship Cancer Institute's CML specialist:

"I am writing to let you know about your recent test result for your CML.  The quantitative BCR-ABL (a marker of your CML) was 0.0097%.  Our goal is for this to be under 0.1% which we call a major molecular remission.  This is outstanding.  If this level is maintained for 2-3 years, you would be a potential candidate to stop treatment.  I recommend that you continue your current CML medication as previously prescribed.   I look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.  Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns."

I would LOVE to get off of the Imatinib and get part of my life back.   

Would appreciate hearing from those of you trying TFR or contemplating it.  

 

 

 

Rick, I am 7 months in to trying TFR. I was in MMR on 400mg imatinib for 10.5 years, then a year on 200mg, and stopped in early November last year. Still MMR so far.  The view of the UK CML specialists is that you need a few years (current thought is around 5) in MMR or close before you try, and the Destiny Trial indicates there is a higher chance of successful TFR with half dose year. I found that my side effects were significantly improved by going onto half dose.You're clearly a hare rather than a tortoise, well done.

Thinking on this does move quickly - on diagnosis I was told that the best outcome was MMR and I would be on 400mg for the rest of my life. If I was you I would plan for another 2 years minimum on 400mg, and then have a look at half dose, but keep an eye on the development of the thinking in that time.

Hope that helps.

Very helpful and hopeful!  Thank you!