10 replies to this topic

[minu]

My bcr-abl in June 14 was 0.03%,January 15 was 0.08% (different lab) and now August 15 says undetermined by the first lab. My husband says that test could not trace the cancer cells. I am little confused. Does that mean I can stop the med or at least reduce it? Currently I am on 600mg Tasigna.
On a different note, thanks everyone who responded on my blood sugar issue. For some reason (maybe food), it's much better now. I just hope it doesn't fluctuate any more.
Minu

[hannibellemo]

minu,

 

I'm not sure what the test means but it definitely does not mean you can stop taking your meds. Did your doctor not explain that for most of us this is a drug we will take for life? Perhaps at some point, a few years down the road you can reduce and maybe even stop the drug to see if you will be one of the lucky few whose immune system can control the BCR-ABL, but that time is not now.

 

I would assume there was an issue with the blood sample that did not allow it to determine the amount of BCR/ABL. Mine says "undetected", but that still does not mean our blood is free from BCR/ABL, just that relatively speaking compared to total blood volume the amount is very, very small. Still might be in the millions, however.

 

Good luck.

[Trey]

The term "undetermined" is not standard terminology for PCR results.  Is that the exact term used? 

 

Quantitative PCR results should be positive with a number, or negative/undetectable/not detected, or sample not usable (spoiled, insufficient quality or quantity, or something like that).  Some labs will add another result "positive but below the limit of quantification".

[minu]

Yes that is exactly the term used. I have sent a mail to the lab for a clear explanation. This lab is in Kolkata. I believe it is a terminology problem. They gave a number for abl but bcr-abl was shown as undetermined. For insufficient sample they would contact me. I am waiting for a clarification. Thanks.

[Antilogical]

One of my sample results was "NON-QUANTIFIABLE".

 

Explanation:  BCR/ABL1 was detected, but below the sensitivity threshold. 

[minu]

I got a reply from the lab and they could not detect bcr-abl in my blood. Very happy.

[minu]

I got a reply from the lab and they could not detect bcr-abl in my blood. Very happy.

[gerry]

I got a reply from the lab and they could not detect bcr-abl in my blood. Very happy.

Hi minu,

You need to get a stable undetected for at least 2 years and then work with your doctor if you want to try coming off.

Your doc needs to keep a close eye on you if you do stop, as the CML can return quite quickly. You also need to keep in the back of your mind that more than 50% of people stopping have CML return.

Not meaning to rain on your parade, but you have to be patient and also aware of potential failure for stopping.

 

In the meantime congratulations on your PCRU. Time for a happy dance.

[minu]

Thanks Gerry, I am not going to rush for sure. I just became pcru and will wait few more tests before talking to my doctor.

[dlb65]

Ha anyone experience the following?

Here are my results from last month. The lab just switch to th IS in 2015 and my first result was 0.09%. Also on Tasigna 600mg/day

 

International Scale (IS)   <0.10 Major molecular response (MMR) corresponds to 0.1% IS. p210 Comment   P210 BCR-ABL fusion transcripts detected in 2 of 2 replicates. However, the signal of both replicates falls below the linear range of the assay and therefore cannot be accurately quantitated. We therefore recommend close monitoring with repeat testing when clinically indicated.

[Trey]

DLB

That is a MMR result.  Great news.

 

The bottom paragraph is just boilerplate language on all the PCR results from that lab, so ignore that.