[terryl1]

Re: M-spike in urine, no m-spike in serum?

by terryl1 on Tue Apr 23, 2013 12:14 pm

Was flow cytometry done to check for MRD at the conclusion of the original treatment? This would be an important comparison. Many people are classified as in CR but still have evidence of MRD...that is what Black Swan is all about. Perhaps, the MRD has been there all along and is stable and not causing any problems (i.e. like an MGUS situation). Was a recent PET CT or MRI done to look for any increased uptake, etc?

[Perseverance]

Re: M-spike in urine, no m-spike in serum?

by Perseverance on Tue Apr 23, 2013 2:45 pm

The only thing I remember about the BMB 90 days after the SCT was that it indicated <1% plasma cells in the bone marrow. As I stated before, the current population of plasma cells in the marrow is 4%. I don't think the inference can be made that the myeloma has grown just because the plasma cell population has increased given the fact that the immune system was suppressed by the SCT. As I stated, the flow cytometry indicated 0.06% abnormal cells, specifically kappa light chain.

What level of disease burden is this? I'm having trouble putting it into perspective.

[terryl1]

Re: M-spike in urine, no m-spike in serum?

by terryl1 on Tue Apr 23, 2013 3:05 pm

It is infinitesimal and only represents a tiny portion of your plasma cells. It is possible that you always had MRD after your SCT. Perhaps, they never looked for it. MRD is a relatively new thing to look for in myeloma, unlike other blood cancers, as evidenced by the Black Swan Initiative.

[Perseverance]

Re: M-spike in urine, no m-spike in serum?

by Perseverance on Thu May 02, 2013 9:28 am

Going to the doctor today to see what his take is on all of this. Will post results.

[Perseverance]

Re: M-spike in urine, no m-spike in serum?

by Perseverance on Thu May 02, 2013 9:30 pm

Perseverance wrote:
> Going to the doctor today to see what his take is on all of this. Will post
> results.

Dr. informed us that based on the bone marrow biopsy, there is no relapse just residual disease. However, he recommended follow up bi-monthly to monitor the Bence Jones protein level to make sure it isn't growing.