7 replies to this topic

[scuba]

Do you get your Labs done at M.D. Anderson in Houston?

If you do, how are your PCR's reported?

I know that M.D. Anderson uses their own scale which is different than the International Scale. M.D. Anderson's numbers are higher, in an absolute sense, than numbers reported using the International Scale (by more than 1/2 to 3/4 log).

Does anyone have a PCR that is "undetected" as reported by M.D. Anderson? Have you seen any reports that show a "<" sign?

Thanks

[Widgeonus]

Here's what mine says.

The percentage of BCR-ABL1 to ABL1 transcripts is 0.22.

According to the pathologist, they use percentage and not International Scale. He was not able to tell me what the conversion would be.

[Trey]

Context, please.  Are you talking to yourself again? 

Probably a curcumin side effect. 

[scuba]

"...talking to yourself again?" ...

Always ... but that was prior to Curcumin. Prior to CML and prior to Colorado legalization of Mary Jane's:

[scuba]

I managed to speak with the doctor who signs my PCR lab reports. He explained to me how his lab (M.D. Anderson) reports the bcr-abl1/abl1 ratio.

Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was performed on reverse-transcribed

RNA from this sample for the BCR-ABL1 fusion transcripts resulting from

the t(9;22)(q34;q11.2) in Leukemia. This multiplex assay is designed to

detect common BCR-ABL1 fusion transcripts e13a2(b2a2), e14a2(b3a2) and

e1a2. The fusion transcripts are differentiated based on the size of the

PCR product using capillary electrophoresis. BCR-ABL1 and ABL1 transcript

levels are detected simultaneously and quantitative results are expressed

as the percent ratio of BCR-ABL1 to ABL1 transcript levels.  This ratio

may vary up to one-log because of methodological reasons.  The sensitivity

of detection of BCR-ABL1 transcripts by real-time PCR is between 1 in

10,000 and 1 in 100,000.

The transcript I have that was detected is the b2a2 BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript coding for the 210kDa BCR-ABL1 fusion

protein.

The level as reported on my file is 0.01 (M.D. Anderson scale which is a higher number than the international scale - why? I didn't ask). He told me that his measurements report to 4 decimal places, but that the last two decimal places are not shown. If his test shows 0.005 it is written as 0.01 if his test shows 0.0049 or less, it is written as < 0.01 and if his test shows 0.015, then it is written as 0.02.

They do not report PCRU as "undetected" unless his test shows no detection by his testing (0.0000). If they see any detection (0.0001) then it is listed as <0.01.

So ... my level is less than or equal to 0.0199 and greater than 0.0050 with a one log method variation. I am very close to being in the noise of their equipment if not there already.

In order for me to do my next experiment (i.e. stop Dasatinib), I need to see a lab report where my PCR is listed as "<0.01". When that happens and I can hold it for a subsequent test, then I will begin my cessation personal trial. At this rate, it will be year-end at least before I get to try and that is assuming I can get below 0.005. What a psychological game.

[thomaskk]

Fully agree..scuba what do you understand fromhttp://www.gleevec.c...esponse-cml.jsp

If some achieves MMR in 12 months,  he is safe from progression for 7 years? 

Confused ..

Thomas

[scuba]

Thomas,

Read this:

http://treyscml.blogspot.com/

Trey has done a good job summarizing CML, it's treatment, outcomes and protocols. This will give you the background I think you are seeking.

If someone achieves MMR within 12-18 months following consistent treatment (no drug breaks) - they will die of something else, not CML.

If someone achieves PCRU - they have a 40% chance of not having to stay on their drug after two years and have a functional cure. ChrisC of this forum is one person who is following this process. It is possible that some people may be able to stay at MMR and not have to take their TKI and have no progression, but frequent monitoring would be required.

CML is not the same life threatening disease it was just a little over a decade ago. It is now a huge money maker for pharmaceutical company's because we all live and don't die.

That's actually good news. You have achieved quick milestones that indicate to me you will be one of the progression free survival population. You will die of something else - old age perhaps, but not CML.

Michael

[thomaskk]

Thanks Micheal.  It is a great reassurance . Hope with the help of curcumin I will be able to reach MMR on time