Hi. I'm new to the forum, although my father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in September 2014. My question is about standard testing protocols for multiple myeloma.
I've read about different genetic tests that are valuable for determining treatment and outcome, but have found very little information to say that these genetic tests are a standard part of the initial diagnosis testing protocols. Does anyone know if genetic tests are preformed as a matter of course for all multiple myeloma patients?
Thanks.
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Re: Genetic testing at diagnosis - is it standard?
Corcan1,
Welcome the forum.
Is your dad undergoing treatment already?
Usually the way it works is that a doc runs a series of basic laboratory blood serum tests first, and perhaps an MRI or PET/CT to make an initial diagnosis (depending on the situation) . The typical lab tests are outlined here https://tinyurl.com/ovzzuh7
If those initial lab tests come back possibly indicating MGUS, smoldering myeloma, or symptomatic myeloma, then the doc would usually order a bone marrow biopsy (this would almost certainly be the case if symptomatic multiple myeloma were suspected). Genetic testing via what is known as FISH and metaphase cytogenetic analysis is a standard part of the bone marrow biopsy test when diagnosing multiple myeloma.
DId your dad in fact have a bone marrow biopsy performed when he was diagnosed? The genetic test results may already be in place in that bone marrow biopsy report.
Welcome the forum.
Is your dad undergoing treatment already?
Usually the way it works is that a doc runs a series of basic laboratory blood serum tests first, and perhaps an MRI or PET/CT to make an initial diagnosis (depending on the situation) . The typical lab tests are outlined here https://tinyurl.com/ovzzuh7
If those initial lab tests come back possibly indicating MGUS, smoldering myeloma, or symptomatic myeloma, then the doc would usually order a bone marrow biopsy (this would almost certainly be the case if symptomatic multiple myeloma were suspected). Genetic testing via what is known as FISH and metaphase cytogenetic analysis is a standard part of the bone marrow biopsy test when diagnosing multiple myeloma.
DId your dad in fact have a bone marrow biopsy performed when he was diagnosed? The genetic test results may already be in place in that bone marrow biopsy report.
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Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
Re: Genetic testing at diagnosis - is it standard?
Hi Multibilly,
Thanks very much for your reply. My father, who is 80, is currently in his 10th round of Revlimid and dex. He developed neuropathy after 3 months of Velcade and was put on Revlimid. His IgG level has been hovering around 1825 (it has started to creep up over the last month.)
We changed oncologists in January 2015 but were never given any specific information regarding stage from the oncologist who made the initial diagnosis other than that my dad was "stage 4" (I understand there is no stage 4). He had a bone biopsy last October. So it sounds like the information I'm seeking should be part of the bone biopsy findings.
Thanks very much for your reply. My father, who is 80, is currently in his 10th round of Revlimid and dex. He developed neuropathy after 3 months of Velcade and was put on Revlimid. His IgG level has been hovering around 1825 (it has started to creep up over the last month.)
We changed oncologists in January 2015 but were never given any specific information regarding stage from the oncologist who made the initial diagnosis other than that my dad was "stage 4" (I understand there is no stage 4). He had a bone biopsy last October. So it sounds like the information I'm seeking should be part of the bone biopsy findings.
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1