5 replies to this topic

[leg42]

I'm currently in a study and have to have a BMB once a year. I was wondering about the people that are not in a study how often they have BMBs. I have been on Gleevec since  2006 and have done well other than the many side effects. Do most people that have been in remission for 4 years get a BMB every year or every 2 years or what?

Thanks Lisa

[Trey]

This issue has been changing over the past couple years.  The NCCN Guidelines for CML Treatment now recommend a BMB at diagnosis and every 6 months until CCR is reached.  After that it says do a BMB when "clinically indicated".  That generally means any significant reversal in response or unusual test results.  So a BMB after CCR is considered optional at the Onc's discretion.  For instance, for Accelerated or Blast patients the BMB might be continued.  So for those who have achieved MMR or CMR (PCRU) a BMB might no longer be done unless a change in test results occurs.  But some Oncs still like to have a BMB once every couple years for all  patients.

[prljm10us]

i was dx in jan 06. i had the 1 bmb in the hospital when i was dx but since then i haven't had any. dr westervelt in st louis doesn't believe they accomplish anything if not warranted. which i assume like the earlier post that means a relapse or really bad blood work. good luck

[John]

I also just had the one BMB done at DX back in Sep. 08 and that's it.  And I'm very happy about that because it sucked and I'm not eager to do it again... 

[PhilB]

Frequency of BMB?  About 1,000 Hurts.

(Sorry, couldn't resist it)

[Stevea]

I was diagnosed in 03 and had 2 in the hospital then had one every year for the next 5 years, now my doctor said they can test it from the blood rather than the bone marrow (i think).  I just know I haven't had one in 2 years!