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Understanding results

Hi

I'm a new member

I was Diagnosis with CML on 20th May 2008, Ive just come back from my latest appointment. I think Im doing ok but not sure, my results are:

May 2008  BCR-ABL/ABL ratio 2.44

Sept 2008 BCR-ABL/ABL ratio 0.015122 (1.5%)

Jan 2009 BCR-ABL/ABL ratio 0.0135 (1.35%)

July 2009 BCR-ABL/ABL ratio 0.004 (0.4%)

Jan 2010 BCR-ABL/ABL ratio 0.007452 (0.7%)  (coments on results printout This level is bordering on cytogenetic remission)

I had a BMB June 2009 which was clear

My doctor says Im doing well but cant explain what the results mean

He as suggested I have another BMB in June and a further BCR-ABL test

I've been on 400g Glivec since I was diagnosed

I know there's two types of testing but Im not sure how Im doing, the BMB was good, but the BCR_ABL dosent seem to be coming down quick enough

Can anyone expand on these results

Thanks

Darren

 

 

 

 

Darren, I don't think there's much to worry about here. When you get down to low ratios there is a significant possible error in the measurement of each test - and I think from what I have read the difference between 0.4% and 0.7% can I think be explained by this. It only become a concern if subsequent test results continue to trend upwards. In terms of your plateau above 1%, I did exactly the same between the first and second anniversaries of my diagnosis. I'm now 3 years down the track and my last three BCR-ABL/ABL (which are done quarterly) are 0.00%, 0.01% and 0.00%. Let us know what the June result says - I'll bet on below 0.4% (and I'm on a roll as I had the winner of the Grand National yesterday).

Alastair

Hi Darren, first ...

YAHOOO!!!   YIPPEEE!!!

Number 1316 in the Zero Club

Zavie

Darren,

You have had an outstanding response. All you need to get a number in the Zero Club is to be clean via a BMB. From what I understand from your results it appears that you close to a 4 log reduction. A 3 log reduction means that you are at MCR (Major Cytogenic Response). At this level of response it means that there is virtually no chance that you will ever relapse with your CML. WELL DONE.

Please send me a note at zmiller@sympatico.ca. I have some questions for you.

 

Zavie

Thanks chaps,

Im currently at Preston Hospital,

Hi Darren,

 

As you see everyone thinks your doing well however you should be seen at a center of excellence hospital either in Liverpool or Manchester.

These dr see patients with CML every day of the week and can explain everything to you. The local hospitals are great but they dont have the expertise of the center of excellence. It is also well talked about as pet my posting yesterday that once you get down to these levels.BMB are not necessary. I have not had one for over 3 years. Oh the joy.

 

Steven D.

Hi Darren,

Theses seem fin.  look at the right hand column of this page and look at the FAQ's and look at pcr results. this may explain more.

However as your Dr admits  he/she does not know what they mean then really you should be treated at a center of excellence hospital where you are are one of many cml'ers. It is felt that when your PCR gets that low a BMB is uneecessary as the BM must be ok as they only look at about 25 cells. Why put yourself through the pain of a BMB. Let us know where you live and you will be rcomenedded a Nice hospital nearest to you.

Regards

Steven D