Good Morning-
I have a question regarding stem cell collection. My stem cells were collected while having an M-Spike of 1.1. My doctor has assured me that the stem cells are "clean". Is this true? Would my stem cells be clean with a M-Spike of 1.1?
-Maggie.
Forums
2 posts
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Re: Stem Cell Collection
Hello Maggie,
This is an important question. Your stem cells probably have myeloma cells in them but.....this will not affect the results of your stem cell transplant. I know it seems strange but here is why.....
First of all, myeloma is not cured with a stem cell transplant not matter how low your m-spike is and whether or not there are detectable plasma cells in the stem cell collection. In other situations (like some acute leukemias or lymphomas) we can cure the disease with a stem cell transplant if (and only if) the stem cell collection does not contain malignant cells. Because of this there is no "optimal or goal" paraprotein level or level of malignant plasma cells in the marrow for stem cell mobilzation and colllection for patients with multiple myeloma. Simply put though.... lower is better. A complete remission (CR) at the time of stem cell collection is great but many patients will not have achieved CR prior to collection and transplant. The purpose of the transplant is to DEEPEN the response and to achieve CR or VGPR in those patients who have not already done so. Most centers (and the literature) recommend having stem cell collection after the first 4-6 cycles of chemotherapy for newly diagnosed myeloma (in patients who are responding) regardless of the level of response. In practice collecting your stem cells with an m-spike of 1.1 is reasonable and routinely done.
This is an important question. Your stem cells probably have myeloma cells in them but.....this will not affect the results of your stem cell transplant. I know it seems strange but here is why.....
First of all, myeloma is not cured with a stem cell transplant not matter how low your m-spike is and whether or not there are detectable plasma cells in the stem cell collection. In other situations (like some acute leukemias or lymphomas) we can cure the disease with a stem cell transplant if (and only if) the stem cell collection does not contain malignant cells. Because of this there is no "optimal or goal" paraprotein level or level of malignant plasma cells in the marrow for stem cell mobilzation and colllection for patients with multiple myeloma. Simply put though.... lower is better. A complete remission (CR) at the time of stem cell collection is great but many patients will not have achieved CR prior to collection and transplant. The purpose of the transplant is to DEEPEN the response and to achieve CR or VGPR in those patients who have not already done so. Most centers (and the literature) recommend having stem cell collection after the first 4-6 cycles of chemotherapy for newly diagnosed myeloma (in patients who are responding) regardless of the level of response. In practice collecting your stem cells with an m-spike of 1.1 is reasonable and routinely done.
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Dr. Edward Libby - Name: Edward Libby, M.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
2 posts
• Page 1 of 1