Re: Latest Q-PCR report

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Unlike FISH tests that can have a false postive rate of 5%-7%

depending on the probe they use, PCR's do NOT have a false positive

rate.

Each lab however, has different sensitivities which can result in

the same patient with the same sample being positive in one lab and

negative in another.

Zavie is a perfect example of this as he has had PCR's done at

several different labs. Some of which were negative and some

positive.

There is great variation as to the quality of PCR's. Things that

can effect the test include how much RNA they extracted, how many

times they ran it through the cycle and how long they waited to do

the test.

There are labs whose techniques are more than questionable and I

think that if anyone was to accurately say that they were negative

on a PCR, it would have to come from one of the major centers. Less

than 10% of patients are supposed to be PCRU but if you look at just

our little sample of patients on this list, I'd say the number is

far higher than that. Are we just a lucky group? Or are many of us

getting tested with questionable labs? I'd guess the latter.

Being positive doesn't mean that you're going to relapse however so

try not to worry about it. The vast majority (90%) are positive on

the PCR. This is precisely why I want to still have regular BMB's.

You can't go wrong with the results of a BMB.

Take care,

Tracey

>

> Today I received a copy of results from the test on the Mar. 7.

The

> test I took in Feb. was lost (3 of 5) since Aug. I had to change

> insuance companys Mar. 1 (my bosses idea) so this blood test is

from

> a different lab but appears to be the one recommended last June.

> The results read: BCR-ABL1,CML, PCR, Quant. b2a2 transcript

> <0.001% B3a2 transcript 0.015%. The ONC's nurse faxed this to me

> just before she put it in Dr.s folder for review so am waiting to

> see if he finds any need to discuss this with me. If my memory of

> other list mates postings this is within the acceptable range to

> remain undetectable (3-4%??). Since I have nothing to compare

this

> to and the ONC told me not to concern myself if it was a small

> number I will wait for notification without worry.

>

> H.

> dxd 2/03

> Gleevec 3/03

> PCR-U 6/03

> Q-PCR 3/05 0.015%

> Zavies club #530 (If detectable, Hold that # please)