5 replies to this topic

[martap999]

Hey all - I just left the onc with the results of the geno test - I was diagnosed in 3/2015 - switched Sprycel to Tasigna in Jan 2016 - on 2/3:26 had the geno test which came back with BCR/ABL of 0.59% - the test on 4/5/3016 showed an increase to 0.79% - onc wants to wait another 4 weeks then repeat test but I'm concerned- should I be ??
Thanks. Marta

[tiredblood]

What was your PCR% at diagnosis? From what I understand, it would be reasonable to wait for an additional PCR test with those results, but it would probably be best for someone else a little more knowledgeable to comment. With my recent drug holiday, I could see how the levels fluctuate at low levels, and my percentage even rose right after restarting the Tasigna, going to 0.000% shortly thereafter. This has made me a little more comfortable with low level fluctuation of the numbers.

[thatguy]

Hey all - I just left the onc with the results of the geno test - I was diagnosed in 3/2015 - switched Sprycel to Tasigna in Jan 2016 - on 2/3:26 had the geno test which came back with BCR/ABL of 0.59% - the test on 4/5/3016 showed an increase to 0.79% - onc wants to wait another 4 weeks then repeat test but I'm concerned- should I be ??
Thanks. Marta

Were both tests performed by the same lab? What amount of time elapsed from collection time to reporting time between the 2 tests?

[martap999]

Hi just saw your posting -
1st test was 2/2/2016
2nd test was 4/4/2016
Both were performed at the same lab-
Thanks much. Marta

[thatguy]

Hi just saw your posting -
1st test was 2/2/2016
2nd test was 4/4/2016
Both were performed at the same lab-
Thanks much. Marta

What were previous pcr results before the switch? What date was the Tasigna started? Check the collection time and reporting time and compare between the 2 separate tests. Calculate the hours that elapsed. I had a fairly significantly higher result on one of mine recently, but the test was performed on a much fresher than normal sample, and the retest showed a number more in line with the prior trend-declining... That could yield the higher detection in your test. Why did you switch drugs? Have you had any mutation tests? What dosage of Tasigna are you on? I was bumped to 400 MG twice daily for early, slow initial response after my switch to 300 MG twice daily, from Gleevec 400, (also from slow response).

Another thing that could cause this (something I'm not fully understanding of) is called pharmacokinetics, and it relates to the period of time it takes for drugs to absorb and become effective and "stable state" in your blood stream.This varies and can be a longer amount of time than assumption would have it.

Also, besides adherence to taking the med, check that absorption isn't impaired by another item in your diet i.e Metamucil can cause this... research "drug absorption" if you're curious.

[Nicky]

Hi everybody, i don't if this is the right place to ask but i have to perform a BCR/ABL test soon, i live in Miami. Do you know a good place to do that test around? Thank you i appreciate it!