STOOPID QUESTION

[Guest guest]

Zavie, what does it mean to " be in CCR " or to " achieve CCR " ?

Thanks.

From: zmiller@...

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 23:40:45 -0500

Subject: RE: [ ] Gleevec

Hi,

From your results it looks like you are a slow responder. The experts like

to see you achieve CCR by 12 months.

From your testing, it appears that you have had 2 FISH tests done. A FISH

test looks at 200 cells. You are considered to be in CCR via a FISH test if

the rests show less than 5-8 of the Philadelphia chromosome.

You should have had cytogenic results from the bone marrow tests. This test

looks at 20 cells and you need to be 0/20 cells to be at CCR. When you

achieve this level, you get a number in the Zero Club. It also makes sense

to have a PCR test done every 3 months and even some mutation testing if you

don't get to CCR by 12 months.

If you are getting a sub-optimal response on Gleevec at 400 mg then there

are several things that can be done. One of those is to increase the dose of

Gleevec.

Where are you located? You might want to consider seeing a CML specialist

for another opinion on your treatment.

Zavie

Zavie (age 70)

67 Shoreham Avenue

Ottawa, Canada, K2G 3X3

dxd AUG/99

INF OCT/99 to FEB/00, CHF

No meds FEB/00 to JAN/01

Gleevec since MAR/27/01 (400 mg)

CCR SEP/01. #102 in Zero Club

2.8 log reduction Sep/05

3.0 log reduction Jan/06

2.9 log reduction Feb/07

3.6 log reduction Apr/08

3.6 log reduction Sep/08

e-mail: zmiller@...

Tel: 613-726-1117

Fax: 309-296-0807

Cell: 613-282-0204

ID: zaviem

YM: zaviemiller

Skype: Zavie

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

llomsdalen

Sent: January 10, 2009 4:09 PM

Subject: [ ] Gleevec

I have been reading some of your posts that show you have been on

Gleevec for years. I was diagnosed in May of 2008 with a RBC of close

to 300,000. I was put on 400mg of Gleevec which I tolerate pretty

well. I had my 2nd bone marrow biopsy(the 6th month mark) in December.

I don't have the exact lab results, but it was explained to my husband

and me that when I was first diagnosed, that they looked at 200 of my

cells and 198 showed the Philadephia cells. From my December bone

marrow biospy out of 200 cells, 40 showed the Philadephia cells and

that I have to have another biopsy in June. I was told that if my cells

arent under 20, that the Gleevec is considered a failure and that I

should look at other medications? This seems odd to me. My regular

blood counts look good every time. Any ideas?