chromosome abnormality

[sharon15]

I am missing 13q14. This has not changed the way my MM is being treated. A MM specialist wants to test me for a missing 4;14. He said since I am missing 13q14, I most likely am missing 4;14, too. They attempted several bone marrow aspirations to send a good "plug" to the lab for analysis. None worked. They want to try again. I was told no SCT if I am missing 4;14. Hence, I am thinking twice on any further testing for 4;14. I am going broke paying for tests that aren't working.

[zerofeel]

Wow, sounds like a heck of a time your having. Hang in there and keep us posted.

[phdinseattle]

Sharon, there are three well-known chromosome abnormalities in myeloma that are associated with poor prognosis. They include deletion of chromosome 13, translocation of 4;14 and translocation of 14;16.

You do need a good bone marrow biopsy sample to find out whether you have these abnormalities. If you do, the Mayo clinic has published the mSMART protocol for treatment of patients with these cytogenetic abnormalities. You should ask your docotor if the mSMART protocol from Mayo Clinic is right for you.

Good luck!

[whittto]

There is a fourth chromosomal abnormality involving the chromosome 17 deletion which generally also involves a mutation or deletion of the P53 gene as I understand it. This is the form of Myeloma that I am dealing with.

[Noalbany]

hi, just joined here...wondering what, if any, info you've learned since your original post. i was diagnosed in sep. '04, still asymptomatic yet have both chromosomal abnormalities deletion 13 and translocation t4;14. all i can find out is it points to poor prognosis (sorry for my bluntness here) but my doc only seems to shrug it off. would like to hear about your situation. thanks, and all the best to you.