[WeatherNurse13]

High Risk Factors

by WeatherNurse13 on Fri Sep 13, 2013 6:39 pm

I read the recent article about the new stratification of multiple myeloma. Where does plasma cell leukemia fit in with all this? I was Stage III at diagnosis last year, with the addition of Plasma Cell Leukemia. My doctor told my that my disease was aggressive and angry, but never used the terminology high risk.

Since then I received a complete response to VDT PACE and CyBorD, then had an auto SCT that has kept me in remission since (6 months). Taking Revlimid as maintenance therapy. Sometimes I think that reading about all the high risk, chromosomal information is just something to make patients worry about. Glad my doctor keep a positive and encouraging attitude toward my ongoing remission and life ahead. He's the best.

[Beacon Staff]

Re: High Risk Factors

by Beacon Staff on Fri Sep 13, 2013 6:54 pm

Hi Gracie,

The new classification system discussed in today's news article,

https://myelomabeacon.org/news/2013/09/13/imwg-risk-stratification-multiple-myeloma/

does not discuss plasma cell leukemia.

However, the Mayo Clinic guidelines for myeloma, which also includes a risk stratification system, include plasma cell leukemia in the high-risk category.

The Mayo guidelines are discussed in this forum thread,

https://myelomabeacon.org/forum/mayo-clinic-multiple-myeloma-guidelines-2013-t1810.html

which also has a link to the full text of the guidelines.

As you suggest, no risk classification system comes even close to being perfect at predicting how an individual patient's disease is going to progress or respond to therapy. That is definitely important to keep in mind.

It's great that you've responded so well to your treatment thus far, and we hope your response lasts for a VERY long time.