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Discussion about multiple myeloma treatments, stem cell transplants, clinical trials, alternative medicines, supplements, and their benefits and side effects.

Remission achieved - when to do stem cell transplant?

by ZParvin on Wed Jul 23, 2014 1:45 am

Hello Everyone!

Had a question that is a bit tricky.

My dad begun chemotherapy with Velcade, thalidomide, and dexamethasone 2 months ago, and completed 2 cycles on the 16th of July. We ran his labs again, serum protein electrophoresis etc, and the results have been amazing. All his levels have normalised.

His kappa light chains at diagnosis were at 427, and his kappa:lambda ratio was also quite high.

Now, everything is within normal range, including beta 2 microglobulin, kappa light chains, albumin etc.

His oncologists are very pleased with his results since it's only been 2 cycles.

But our point of confusion lies here.

a) What does complete response indicate? If all his lab numbers are normal, are there any other tests we need to run to further consolidate this result?

b) Our oncologist in calcutta has advised us to continue chemotherapy and do at least 3 more cylces. Is this correct?

c) An oncologist we have been consulting with in Singapore has said we can go ahead and do the transplant next month itself.

We're extremely confused by what we should do!

Any thoughts would be appreciated :)
Thanks in advance!

ZParvin
Name: ZParvin
Who do you know with myeloma?: Father
When were you/they diagnosed?: May, 2014
Age at diagnosis: 57

Re: Remission achieved - when to do stem cell transplant?

by hopeful27 on Wed Jul 23, 2014 7:19 am

Hello!

Just my experience...my mom is only in her fifties and was doing pretty bad. Her experience with RVD [Revlimid, Velcade, and dexamethasone] has seriously been a huge turnaround. The doctor said she is in remission and is hard set against stem cell transplant. We are going to see a specialist next week to get a second opinion, but this has been our experience so far.

Good luck and keep us posted!

hopeful27

Re: Remission achieved - when to do stem cell transplant?

by Wayne K on Wed Jul 23, 2014 1:43 pm

The fact that the treatment has been successful also means it is continuing to drive your dad deeper into remission, probably farther than can be detected. I would continue the treatments as the doctor has advised.

As far as the SCT transplant, that isn't as important as the timing of stem cell harvest. I have no idea if they freeze them for future use and how that might effect the decision, but your dad definitely needs to do the harvest soon after the treatment is finished IMO.

Wayne K
Name: Wayne
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself, my sister who passed in '95
When were you/they diagnosed?: 03/09
Age at diagnosis: 70


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