7 replies to this topic

[martap999]

Hey all - I decided to change doctors because my onc paid no attention to how I felt and would not explain results to me - today I picked up my lab results but I do not understand any of it - I don't know how bad my Cml was; how I am doing - in fact I don't understand anything at all- I am hoping that if I post results that maybe someone can explain them to me - I am trying to learn - thanks Marta

March 3, 2015

Diagnosis - onc chromosome
analysis
Metaphase a counted - 20
Analyzed - 20
Culture type - 25EB, 48 EB
Banding technique - GPG
Banding resolution - 400
CPT codes - 88264 88291 88237

Test. (3/3/2015) Result

BCR-ABL 1 detected
%bcr-abl1/(IS) 100.000%
Fusion transcript Major
Type Breakpoint p210
Log reduction. 0.507

Test. 6/19/2015

Test. Result
BCR-ABL. Detected
%bcr-abl1/(IS). 4.660%
Fusion transcript Major
Type Breakpoint p210
Log reduction 1.899
3/3. .51
6/16. 1.90

Test 9/8/2015

Test. Result
BCR-ABL. Detected
%bcr-abl1/(IS). 2.712%
Fusion transcript Major
Type Breakpoint p210
Log reduction 2.134
3/3. .51
6/16. 1.90
9/8. 2.13

[tiredblood]

From what I've read on the discussion board, your numbers are dropping, which sounds good to me. Congrats and Merry Christmas.

[martap999]

AWESOME !!!- thank you !!!

[Trey]

Your 3 PCRs were: 100%, 4.6%, 2.7%  --  a steady downward trend.

Log reductions for these 3 PCRs were: .51,  1.90,  2.13   --  This would indicate you achieved Complete Cytogenetic Response (CCyR). 

 

All is going well.

[scuba]

 

Marta do you have FISH results? 

[martap999]

No I have never had that test -

[martap999]

Thank you all so much - am feeling much better after reading your posts !!!- merry Christmas to all my new friend !!!

[scuba]

No I have never had that test -

 

It's probably not necessary at this point since your PCR is trending in the right direction and doing so at an acceptable pace. When your PCR falls below 1%, you will be at the equivalent of CCyR or complete cytogenetic remission. And you are very close to that level now.

 

FISH is a measure that looks at the actual cells under a microscope where one can see CML cells directly (using a dye marker for the defective chromosomes). At diagnosis most patients are at 100% (all white blood cells show CML). When one looks under a microscope for CML cells and they see zero cells, that patient has achieved CCyR. The cells are still there just not enough of them in a population sense to show up to the naked eye looking through a microscope to be counted. This is why PCR becomes important. FISH is a physical measure. PCR is a molecular measure.

 

CCyR is a very important milestone. Getting to CCyR in less than 18 months is a very good prognosticator on treatment success (progression free survival).

 

For more on CML and the terminology for tracking it see the NCCN guidelines linked below. Pages 48/49 describe what we have been discussing here.

 

http://www.nccn.org/...l/index.html#48