I have been lurking here for 2+ weeks after my husband's initial appointment/tests (24 hour urinalysis, blood, skeletal survey, biopsy) at University of Michigan. I have spent hours here and other websites gathering information and learning, learning about multiple myeloma. His Dr. called 1/31 confident that he did have multiple myeloma with most tests finished.
I have have a good understanding of his test results but for the flow cytometry test. What is the important take away from this test? I thought we would get the % of myeloma plasma cells in the bone marrow. Also, can kidney stones be associated with multiple myeloma.
Like many here, my husband was perfectly healthy, no meds, active in the gym, black belt in tae kwan do.
His rib pain is most of the time under control with morphine and expects to start treatment 2-4, possibly Revlimid/Velcade/dex. He has many lytic lesions in his ribs, clavicle, left humerus, and a T7 compression, and has lost weight. Doctor said his numbers put him at stage II.
I appreciate the wealth of information here and the thoughtful posts. Thank you all for generously sharing your stories and knowledge.
AnnieB
Forums
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Re: Recently diagnosed - purpose of flow cytometry testing?
Hey there Ann,
As part of the bone marrow biopsy analysis, a pathologist will perform a number of tests on the sample. As you point out, one of the key results is the percentage of plasma cells in the bone marrow. But they will also do microscopic analysis, flow cytometry, genetic analysis and what's called a FISH.
The overall analysis will also tell if you have specific genetic mutations that are useful for prognosis and in choosing particular drug treatments. You will get back results that will tell if you have particular genetic "gains", "deletions" or "transloactions" and things like whether or not he has "hyerpdiploidy" or not..
In particular, the flow cytometry part of the analysis takes advantage of protein markers that are found on the surface of the myeloma cells. The flow cytometry test uses these markers to "flag" the cells as they are going through the test machine in order to count the number of myeloma plasma cells that are present in the sample, as well as to determine if particular markers are present on the cell's surface. Knowing this information is useful in both diagnosis and when prescribing specific drugs.
If he has bone lesions and bone pain, you might want to also discuss the use of a bisphosphonate such as Zometa in addition to the Velcade, Revlimid and Dex.
Best of luck to you and the hubby.
As part of the bone marrow biopsy analysis, a pathologist will perform a number of tests on the sample. As you point out, one of the key results is the percentage of plasma cells in the bone marrow. But they will also do microscopic analysis, flow cytometry, genetic analysis and what's called a FISH.
The overall analysis will also tell if you have specific genetic mutations that are useful for prognosis and in choosing particular drug treatments. You will get back results that will tell if you have particular genetic "gains", "deletions" or "transloactions" and things like whether or not he has "hyerpdiploidy" or not..
In particular, the flow cytometry part of the analysis takes advantage of protein markers that are found on the surface of the myeloma cells. The flow cytometry test uses these markers to "flag" the cells as they are going through the test machine in order to count the number of myeloma plasma cells that are present in the sample, as well as to determine if particular markers are present on the cell's surface. Knowing this information is useful in both diagnosis and when prescribing specific drugs.
If he has bone lesions and bone pain, you might want to also discuss the use of a bisphosphonate such as Zometa in addition to the Velcade, Revlimid and Dex.
Best of luck to you and the hubby.
-
Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
Re: Recently diagnosed - purpose of flow cytometry testing?
Thank you, Multibilly, for your quick response.
Yes, he will start a bisphosphonate for his bone issues.
Great explanation for the use of cytometry in diagnosis and treatment. Interpreting the results will just have to wait untill our appointment on Tuesday.
I am still in disbelief that this is happening to my wonderful husband. Reality has not set in yet.
Annie
Yes, he will start a bisphosphonate for his bone issues.
Great explanation for the use of cytometry in diagnosis and treatment. Interpreting the results will just have to wait untill our appointment on Tuesday.
I am still in disbelief that this is happening to my wonderful husband. Reality has not set in yet.
Annie
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1
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