Hi all.  Just wanted to share some thoughts on PCR trends.  Most of 
on the List remain pcr-detectable . . . and in my latest results 
from MDAnderson, I am now pcr-detectable . . .although I am 
also 'pcr-undetectable' via OHSU (blood was drawn a week apart for 
these two tests)

As Anjana has frequently discussed, pcr testing is not standardized 
and runs the gamut of using different testing methods/housekeeping 
genes as well as testing sensitivity.  Anjana pointed out that OHSU 
uses a GP6 housekeeping gene to run their pcr testing while 
MDAnderson utilizes a ABL housekeeping gene in their testing so it 
is not an 'apples to apples' comparison.   However, I wanted to 
share my trends over the past year and half in the hopes that those 
of you who have gone from pcr - undetectable to detectable know that 
trends continue to be important and as I've learned (and lost lots 
of sleep over)to look at the 'big picture' and not one pcr test.

Here are my quantitative pcr results since I started to do this 
testing:

04/03   pcr-undetectable     (via MDAnderson)
07/03   pcr   0.0123         (via MDAnderson)
10/03   pcr   0.0233         (via MDAnderson)
12/03   pcr   0.0977         (via MDAnderson)
02/04   pcr-undetectable     (via Saywer's Lab UCLA)
04/04   pcr-undetectable     (via OHSU)
07/04   pcr   0.0141         (via MDAnderson)
7/04    pcr-undetectable     (via OHSU)*

* I benchmarked my results with OHSU as of there were some concerns 
I had about MDA's testing.  I wasn't aware at the time that they use 
different housekeeping genes so that explains the difference per 
Anjana's explanation last week.

My 12/03 pcr went up enough since 10/03's that I was very 
concerned.  Dr. Giles felt there was no reason to be concerned yet 
and to continue on my current protocol - which is 800 mgs of IM.  He 
said that if the trend continued to go up, we'd re-visit the issue. 
Fortunately, it has gone back down again.

Anyway, I wanted to post and share my 'big picture' with all of you 
who are struggling with up and down pcrs.   It's difficult to wait 
it out to see the 'trend' and where it's heading - especially when 
it's on the upswing!  I suspect that my pcr's will continue to go up 
and back down (as will my nerves! : - ) but knowing that it's been 
relatively stable is key in the overall scheme of things.

Hope this helps many of you also concerned about up and down pcr 
trends. 

Love,
Barbara Heathcote
Raleigh, NC



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