What is Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia CML
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (or CML) is a form of chronic leukemia characterized by increased production of myeloid cells in the bone marrow. It is a type of myeloproliferative di...
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Peripheal Blood vs BMB
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I wanted to know if anyone knows if a gene study done from peripheal blood is as accurate as done from a bone marrow biopsy? I havent had a BMB in Four and a half years.
Thank you, Ladykaty Posted on 05/22/09, 02:05 am |
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I've heard that it's a controversial subject. some docs still think bone marrow tests are important and some think they are not necessary. I have an appt. with Dr. Druker next week. I'll ask him. 
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Hi Ladykaty,
Yes, the majority of doctors think that PCR from the blood and marrow show the same trend. Please note that in remission, doctors recommend the PCR test and not the FISH test. In Dr. Druker's last webcast in December 2008, he said that if his patients have low PCR values for 3 years or so, he no longer recommends a bone marrow biopsy. However, some doctors still recommend a biopsy every 2-3 years. Also, a biopsy is recommended for patients whose marrows show additional chromosomal abnormalities. If your PCR value is very low, you may not need to worry about BMA/BMB. Doctors have a tough time extracting my husband's marrow after 7 years of Gleevec. Our doctor said that recent research shows some patients may have hard bones from Gleevec therapy and that is why his marrow is so hard to take out. His PCR is at low values so maybe he will not need BMAs anymore, his last was 3 years ago. He hates the BMAs, he feels a lot of pain so fingers crossed he won't need them anymore :-) Best Wishes, Anjana wife of Royston d/x Jan 2002 400mg Gleevec PCR negative
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