[dogmom]

Positive for p16 gene on bone marrow biopsy

by dogmom on Wed Feb 17, 2016 3:14 pm

Can anyone give me more info on the p16 positive gene in the bone marrow biopsy?

This is the only negative prognostic gene factor my husband has.

Our myeloma specialist says the Velcade will cancel this out. I assume it is the drug that keeps that at bay.

After his stem cell transplant, will he always have to be on maintenance with this drug?

[Multibilly]

Re: Positive for p16 gene on bone marrow biopsy

by Multibilly on Wed Feb 17, 2016 4:15 pm

Dogmom,

Cytogenetics can get to be a pretty tricky subject very quickly, so you should really check with your doc since I may not be entirely correct.

Having said that, I believe that the flagging of an anomaly with the p16 gene is likely associated with a t(4;14) translocation (specifically, t(4;14)(p16;q32) ). Velcade is often a good choice for treating t(4;14) patients, hence the reason your doc said "it will cancel it out".

For more detailed see the article in this link and search around in it for "t(4;14)" and "p16" :

"Great article - cytogenetics (chromosomal abnormalities)" (started Nov 3, 2015)

[dogmom]

Re: Positive for p16 gene on bone marrow biopsy

by dogmom on Wed Feb 17, 2016 6:50 pm

Mulitibilly, yes that was mentioned in his report as well. You are probably correct and I will read the article. Thanks.

[dogmom]

Re: Positive for p16 gene on bone marrow biopsy

by dogmom on Thu Feb 18, 2016 10:50 am

I did read the article and you are right, it is geared for the MD, but what I took away from it is that the p16 gene abnormality has just as much success rate in individuals as someone without the marker since Velcade has been introduced into the mix as long as there are no other poorer prognosticating factors found.