Fact 1
Your oncologist or haematologist is a trained professional and should be comfortable with discussing your lab results with you, in boring detail if necessary.
Fact 2
Being aware of sample collection and the method used to generate your results is part of being an informed patient.
Fact 3
Because q-PCR testing is so sensitive, it is normal for percentages of BCR-ABL1 to fluctuate a little over time.
Fact 4
A “log drop” means BCR-ABL1 transcripts have reduced by 10 fold from a standardised baseline of 100%I.S. at diagnosis.
Fact 5
MMR is a 3-log (1000-fold) reduction in BCR-ABL1 transcripts.
Fact 6
Achievement of MMR (0.1%I.S.) within 12 months is, according to ELNet recommendations and NCCN guidelines (2013), an optimal response with very low risk of progression.
Fact 7
There is significant variability among laboratories using different assays and test platforms.
Fact 8
Q-PCR testing for BCR-ABL1 transcripts should be performed by the same laboratory or referred to a specialist laboratory that follows universal reporting criteria.
Fact 9
Results from several tests that show a trend of rising or falling levels of BCR-ABL1 transcripts is more important than one single test result.
Fact 10
Samples of both blood and bone marrow are often evaluated at diagnosis, but the majority of follow-up monitoring is performed on peripheral blood samples.