cytogenetics Testing

[Guest guest]

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Dear Barbara,

The problem with PCR testing is that it is not well standardized. I would

generally follow cytogenetics for prognosis and if you were Philadelphia

chromosome negative by cytogenetics, then I would be very pleased with your

response. I would then follow PCR to make sure that you maintained your

response, but would not worry if the PCR test remained positive. My

interpretation of your PCR is that you likely are Philadelphia chromosome

negative and accordingly, I would not change your dose. This also means that

your risk of relapse is quite low.YIPEE)

I have been working to make a kit for PCR testing that will be standardized

and allow much better interpretation of test results. This should be

complete by the end of this year.

Best wishes for continued good health.

Druker, MD

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I sent my PCR test to Dr. Druker in hopes of his replying with his

recommended protocol. Imagine my surprise when I got a response back so

quickly. Above is his response and I have highlighted the issue about a

standardized test I think all would be eager to see. However, I do have a

question as the what test is used to .. " follow cytogenetics for

prognosis " ..? I had a PCR and FISH - either of those?

Hope my oncologist is not offended when I show her this, as she wants to

increase my Gleevec, but I think I'm tolerating as much side effect as I can

handle at 400mg level. I can't understand subjecting my system to stronger

doses than necessary.

Thanks

Barbara

[Guest guest]

Barbara, Doctors like any other human should not be resistant to change or

added support form either another Dr. or their patient. If you find that she

doesn't show any interest in your input or Dr. Druker's, then I would

suggest you find another one. Although it can be tough, do not let your Dr.

intimidate you. It's your life.

Dr. Druker is wonderful isn't he? I remember a while after I was dx'd in

2000 I was looking on the net everywhere for support.

I found a support group that we old timers use to belong to and there I

learned of Gleevec still in trial phase (STI571 was its code name). I found

Dr. Druker's e-mail address and proceeded to e-mail him afraid of just

taking advice from people who weren't doctors on this list.

I explained my circumstances to him and the fact that I felt as if I were

being pressured into a BMT and he responded so quickly. I was amazed! He was

in Europe at the time and it was very early in the morning when I received

his response ( 2 am) but It was then that I knew this man cared enough about

us to respond to one little individual like me when so many people all over

the world have cancer.

It was also then that I realized I needed to be part of the online group

because the others had so much to offer that I could not afford to rely on

just my doctor. Who better to learn from then someone with the first hand

experience like our fellow CML'rs

ez

[Guest guest]

Barbara wrote:

However, I do have a question as the what test is used to .. " follow

cytogenetics for prognosis " ..? I had a PCR and FISH - either of those?

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Hi Barbara,

Usually this refers to the cytogenetics done with the bone marrow

biopsy.....looking at the 20 or so cells to see if this is negative for the

ph+ chromosome........at least that is my thinking. I am a Dr. Druker

patient and he does BMBs until you are negative and then at least every 12

months or so.

C.