[bgmiller80]

Velcade and white blood cell (WBC) count

by bgmiller80 on Thu Sep 03, 2015 7:22 am

After 2+ years on Revlimid, I relapsed and just started taking Velcade. At the end of three weeks (day of my third shot), a blood test was done. I received the hematology report and the results went from bad to worse. My white blood cell count (WBC) went from 2.2 to 1.6 (normal range 4.0 -11.0) and my red blood cell count (RBC) went from 3.19 to 2.96 (normal range 3.80 to 5.20).

I have not received the electrophoresis or free light chain (FLC) results yet. However, with the sub­stantial drop in the WBC and RBC numbers, does anyone know if this is a fairly clear indication that the Velcade will not work for me?

Thanks

[Multibilly]

Re: Velcade and white blood cell (WBC) count

by Multibilly on Thu Sep 03, 2015 8:10 am

Hi Bob,

I'm not a doc, but I would suggest not trying to evaluate Velcade's effectiveness based on your CBC results alone. Velcade can cause a reduction in RBC, WBC and platelets in a fair number of patients.

"Guidelines For The Management Of Side Effects In Older Myeloma Patients – Part 1: Velcade-Related Side Effects," The Myeloma Beacon, Aug 24, 2011

http://www.chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Velcade.aspx  

But obviously you want to keep an eye on these markers and discuss any potential counter­measures with your doc.

[TerryH]

Re: Velcade and white blood cell (WBC) count

by TerryH on Thu Sep 03, 2015 10:02 am

Hi Bob,

I agree with Multibilly. I would be very hesitant to jump to any conclusions about the effect your treatment is having based on blood cell counts. Your M-spike and free light chain results are really the key. And I hope those results come back showing that you're responding to treatment.

[Eric Hofacket]

Re: Velcade and white blood cell (WBC) count

by Eric Hofacket on Thu Sep 03, 2015 10:36 am

I was on Velcade 4 years ago during induction therapy and I am currently on Velcade again being treated for relapse. I am not a doctor but from my experience I can say the CBC numbers for RBC, WBC, etc are of little if any use in determining if Velcade is working or not. And the lowering of WBC, RBC hemoglobin, platelets are common if not almost expected side effects.

[bgmiller80]

Re: Velcade and white blood cell (WBC) count

by bgmiller80 on Fri Sep 04, 2015 8:51 am

Thanks for the information. I wish everyone the best.

Bob