Re: Re: 0.5 log Reduction-Tracey

February 1, 2006

At 02:28 AM 2/1/06 +0000, you wrote:

>I don't understand this at all Zavie. Dr. Druker has said that PCR's

>typically have a variability of 5 fold. Math isn't my strong subject

>but isn't a 5 fold change the same as a 0.5 log change?

>

>I find this disturbing since I've recently had a 0.4 log increase.

>

>Tracey

Hi Tracey,

There really is NO standarization of thinking on any of this it seems.

Cheryl-Anne mentioned someone in Canada who is supposed to be in charge of

getting standardization in North America. I see Dr. Druker next week (for

the full enchilada....ie bmb) and will try to ask him in a subtle way what

his thinking is (maybe when he is drilling me!). I posted on Jerry's list

that he and a group of physicians in Portland are opening a private clinic

to do PCRs because of the poor quality, etc that he is seeing. This would

be open to anyone. I think they want a high quality lab with a quick turn

around time.

Now, remember that my pcr is high (I am still 35% ph+).....so it is usually

a number like 1.7 or 2.4.

To me, Dr. D and Carolyn have always said.....it is not significant at all

unless it is at least a 3x change in the number.......and I believe I have

heard him said something about a 1-log change. Maybe his opinion is

changing after the last ASH.....again, if I have time I will ask him.

Also, one elevated pcr does not mean much.....you are looking at the trend.

So, most folks do another one in a month or so, to see if the change holds.

This is easy now that peripheral blood is the preferred blood. My appt is

Thurs and I am staying in Portland until Fri.....but will post if I have

some info when I get back. This is my first bmb (3mo) since starting

BMS........it is also my birthday, maybe that will bring me some

luck..........and it is the 6th anniversary of Dr. Druker and Carolyn

treating me (since 2-2000).

C.

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