7 replies to this topic

[Vaid]

Hi
Am new to this forum
My husband is a cml patient from October 2011
He takes 400mg generic imatinib tablet.
His bcr-abl was 0% for the past 3 years.
Unfortunately this year it has gone up to 10.88%
Met the hematologist with his report. He has asked us to repeat the test . Worried kindly advice
My husband is 64 yrs old & we are from india.
Taking generic drug since we can't afford to buy the original

[r06ue1]

I am guessing that you mean PCR test results, going from 0% (typically this is indicated as 0.0% or 0.000%, depends on the lab) to over 10% might indicate a mutation.  Has he had a bone marrow biopsy since his numbers began to rise?  Has he been taking his medication every day?  If there is no mutation and he has been taking his medication every day he would need to switch drugs.  Next step is to get the BMB and mutation test done.  

[Vaid]

Thank you for the reply. . He takes the drug daily. Yes it's the pcr test result. We do the test only once a year. The hematologist has advised us for a pcr & mutation test . So nervous till the next result.

[Vaid]

Trey sir can you explain, since I go through your apt guidance

[Trey]

Repeating the PCR is the right approach.  The PCR test can have false positive results due to lab errors.  A sudden loss of response after 6 years with several years at 0 PCR is very rare, but it is not impossible.

 

Is he taking any other medications?

[Vaid]

Thank you sir for your prompt reply. The doctor also feels , it might be a human error. So asked us to repeat the pcr. He is on clopitorva10 capsule for the past 18 months for cholesterol. Hope & pray that it should be a false alarm. Thank you once again

[Vaid]

At the outset I would like to thank ro6ue1 & Trey sir for their prompt reply. Am happy to share that my husbands pcr is maintained at 0%. The previous report was a lab error. Trey sir your a source of strength & a living encyclopedia. Thank you

[rcase13]

So glad to hear this. We all know the pain that test caused. It would have destroyed me.