Hi all,
My husband's core biopsy came back late this week noting markedly hypocellular marrow, in which 90% is fat and 10% cellularity (30% of which is myeloma).
I understand the significance of the 30% myeloma cellularity, but does anyone know if there is any prognostic significance to hypocellular bone marrow in the case of someone with multiple myeloma?
Would the fact that his marrow is hypocellular limit treatment options?
He is currently transfusion dependent and we are starting a new treatment regimen with this news.
Thank you.
Laurie
Forums
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lwem - Name: Laurie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 68
Re: Significance of hypocellular marrow in multiple myeloma?
Laurie,
Hope I can help explain. The cellularity being low is often a function of recent / prior treatment. The healthy marrow tends to be suppressed by many anti-myeloma therapies. 'Normal' cellularity is calculated as '100-age,' meaning for a 70 year old, 30% cellularity is expected.
In terms of treatment, having decreased cellularity and low blood counts may necessitate more supportive care through therapy, for example, with transfusions, growth factors, prophylactic antibiotics. Occasionally, prior treatments can damage the bone marrow in a more permanent way, even causing new marrow conditions such as MDS (myelodysplasia), but more often, supportive care and change in therapy can make a big difference. Hopefully, with time away from prior treatment, and with effective anti-myeloma therapy, the marrow's healthy elements can improve.
Post again if further clarification is needed.
Hope I can help explain. The cellularity being low is often a function of recent / prior treatment. The healthy marrow tends to be suppressed by many anti-myeloma therapies. 'Normal' cellularity is calculated as '100-age,' meaning for a 70 year old, 30% cellularity is expected.
In terms of treatment, having decreased cellularity and low blood counts may necessitate more supportive care through therapy, for example, with transfusions, growth factors, prophylactic antibiotics. Occasionally, prior treatments can damage the bone marrow in a more permanent way, even causing new marrow conditions such as MDS (myelodysplasia), but more often, supportive care and change in therapy can make a big difference. Hopefully, with time away from prior treatment, and with effective anti-myeloma therapy, the marrow's healthy elements can improve.
Post again if further clarification is needed.
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Dr. James Hoffman - Name: James E. Hoffman, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Significance of hypocellular marrow in multiple myeloma?
Thank you, Dr. Hoffman. This explanation is quite clear and answers my questions about this precisely. Hopefully, the bone marrow will bounce back!
Laurie
Laurie
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lwem - Name: Laurie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 68
Re: Significance of hypocellular marrow in multiple myeloma?
I too got my bone marrow report back and it said the same thing. I'm 60 and they said my hypercellular was 80%. High for my age, and I don't know if it's bad or good, although I thought it was good because I thought it meant I won't get osteoporosis anytime soon (?).
4 posts
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