[torimooney]

BMB explanation

by torimooney on Wed May 16, 2012 6:28 pm

i just received my results of my BMB and aspiration that determined the diagnosis of stage 1 igG Kappa multiple myeloma with lytic bone lesions.

i understand all that and will start treatment as recommended. i will ask my oncologist at my next appointment but meanwhile can someone tell me what the following means. "the BMB revealed normocellular BMB with 30% kappa restricted plasma cells present in large clusters with cyclin D1 positivity. Multi'- color flow cytometry on isolated plasma cell demonstrated a clonal population of >99% abnormal plasma dells".

i understand the diagnosis is made when the percentage is over 10% . i dont understand the 99% they are referring to.

thank you to anyone that can shed light on this for me.

[Dr. Adam Cohen]

Re: BMB explanation

by Dr. Adam Cohen on Thu May 17, 2012 9:34 am

There often is confusion about the different percentages that are mentioned in different parts of the bone marrow report. Based on your report, 30% of the cells in your bone marrow are plasma cells, consistent with the diagnosis of myeloma as you state. The flow cytometry is an additional test to characterize the nature of the plasma cells: myeloma plasma cells have certain characteristics that can often distinguish them from our normal plasma cells in our marrow. In your case, almost all (99%) of the plasma cells in your marrow are abnormal based on this test. This is typical for myeloma and doesn't have any particular significance for prognosis or treatment; it just provides more information. The important number to focus on is the 30%.
Hope this is helpful.

[Art]

Re: BMB explanation

by Art on Thu May 17, 2012 2:09 pm

Hi Toridon
One thing I learned at the NIH is based on a Spanish Study they use the number of abnormal cells (in your case 99%) to determine risk in Smoldering patients. I have 98% and which makes me high risk for progression for advancing. Again this does not apply to you and is a Spanish study. Good Luck on your treatment and Best of Luck
Gods Blessings
Art

[torimooney]

Re: BMB explanation

by torimooney on Fri May 18, 2012 6:40 pm

Thank you for your replies. Happy to hear it has no significance on my multiple myeloma progression.
Good luck to you Art and hopefully you wont progress onto multiple myeloma.