Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) Support Group

I was dx with CML back in June 2005. Since the very beginning I reacted very well to Gleevec, then in April 2008 I had both tests the F.I.S.H and the PCR and both of them were negative. Then in July of 2008 I repeated the PCR and again was negative. At that time my Oncologist told me that I was on Remission and today I am still are on Remission. It is my understanding that the Bone Marrow Biopsy is done only once to determine if you have CML or not, Once you are dix with CML then there is no need for another biosy.

I used to have PCR and Bone Marrow done every 4 months when i was first diagnosed but for the past 2 years i just have a PCR and FISH done every 4 months... According to my doctor you dont need a Bone Marrow unless something wrong shows up on your PCR....

Thanks so much for the inforamtion it is so helpful to hear from others who have had experience with this. I wish everyone well!!!!!

My oncologist suggests a bone marrow biopsy once per year after remission. I feel that this is as important as my yearly mamogram, especially since we are now immune compromised.

I was told by a CML expert that a bone marrow test should be done every 6 months for the first 2 years. The reason being, you want to be certain that problematic philadelphia chromosome levels are decreasing in line with the statistical information that indicates the lowest risk of relapse. After the first 2 years it changes, but I don't remember how often my doctor does them then. My first hemotologist missed the 6 month bone marrow test because her training and orientation is that bone marrow tests aren't necessary after the first one. I'm glad that I changed to the CML doctor because that's all he works with and he diagramed and graphed it all out for me. I will have my second bone marrow test in August, my one year mar (diagnosed in August of 2008. I regret that I didn't have this information earlier. My new doctor said that if he didn't like where my numbers were with a 6 month bone marrow test he would have upped my gleevec or changed my treatment. I think I'm going to be ok - PCR looks like it's ok, but at this stage only bone marrow can tell for sure. Good luck choosing the right doctor!

Thank you so much that was very helpful. I do not have a good feeling about this Oncologist. He did say that he would never have to do a Bone Marrow Biopsy again which i was surprised about and that it conflicted with other inforamtion that i have read. My husband will not get the PCR done until August 7. I wish you the best of luck .

I wish good health and healing to everyone in the group thank you for responding to me.

I have been on Gleevec since Feb 2009. I had the bone marrow test at first during diagnosis. I had weekly CBC's and monthly BCRAL and Fish. At 5 months of being on Gleevec my Fish came back that I did not show any mutation in my peripheral blood. My doctor then moved my visits to three months and after three months more of being on it redrawn the Fish and if it comes back with no sign then repeat the bone marrow to make sure that the marrow shows no sign as well then for sure I am in remission. I am saying I am in remission though because I feel that nothing will change in that time it just will get better.

Thank you for all the advice, it is very helpful.

No problem good luck.