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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What Tests Can We Have Done To Find Out The Status Of Mm And How Often Can We Request These Tests Be Done?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lake Charles, LA

The clono seq test is the best to determine status of mm but how often can we request this test be done or is it only accompanied by a bone marrow biopsy? How often can a bone marrow biopsy be done?

What tests can be done in between bone marrow biopsies to see status of the mm?

https://www.clonoseq.com/about-clonoseq/

About clonoSEQ | Powerful MRD detection for decisive disease management.
About clonoSEQ | Powerful MRD detection for decisive disease management.
https://www.clonoseq.com/about-clonoseq/
November 25
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I get the blood sample clonoSEQ every 3 months and it’s covered by Medicare and my AARP Supplemental.

While I remain MRD Negative at 10 -6 (no cancer per million cells tested) I do not get Bone Marrow Biopsies (BMB).

In the very unlikely event that I’m ever MM Active again (be it a Bone Lesion or Marrow based), prior to Treatment I’ll get a PET/CT and a BMB.

The BMB is to have a sample to send to clonoSEQ to setup a new Baseline (requires 5% or more bad plasma), but it’s only needed if the MM has mutated. The new Baseline will be used for future blood sample clonoSEQ MRD tracking once the MM Activity is resolved.

November 25
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

If you don't already have a myeloma specialist, it's a good idea to see one. The myeloma specialist may have recommendations about how often you can get tested for M spike. Having lived with mm since October 2014, I delayed seeing a mm specialist until treatments were not working. Should have gone sooner.
Best wishes. I'm on my fifth treatment and am doing well.

November 25
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

During initial treatment I was being tested once a month for cancer status showing my Kappa and lamda ratios…
I was mrd negative no cancer cells found on 6-21-24 but it is now almost 6 months later and I don’t know anything. Except my basic blood tests show low immune system white blood cells low and I look great but as we all know how you look on the outside has no bearing on what is going on internally.

November 25
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

To determine the status of multiple myeloma (MM), several tests can be performed. Here are the key tests and their purposes:

Tests to Determine the Status of MM
1. Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration:
- Purpose: To confirm diagnosis and assess the number of abnormal plasma cells.
- Frequency: Typically done at Show Full Answer

To determine the status of multiple myeloma (MM), several tests can be performed. Here are the key tests and their purposes:

Tests to Determine the Status of MM:
1. Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration:
- Purpose: To confirm diagnosis and assess the number of abnormal plasma cells.
- Frequency: Typically done at diagnosis and may be repeated to monitor disease progression or response to treatment.

2. Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Test:
- Purpose: To show how well you are responding to treatment. The goal is to achieve MRD-negative status.
- Frequency: Can be done on bone marrow or via blood test, often accompanying bone marrow biopsy.

3. Genome Sequencing:
- Purpose: To identify genetic markers and mutations, helping to determine the subtype of MM and guide treatment.
- Frequency: Usually done at diagnosis and may be repeated if the disease progresses or relapses.

4. Blood Tests:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures overall blood health, kidney function, and presence of abnormal proteins.
- Serum Albumin Levels: Helps in staging the disease.
- Beta Macroglobulin Levels: Also helps in staging.
- Serum Light Chain Assay: Determines the type of protein secreted by myeloma cells.
- Serum Protein Electrophoresis: Measures M-protein levels to monitor treatment response.
- Frequency: Regularly during treatment and follow-up.

5. Urine Tests:
- Purpose: Detects abnormal proteins like M-proteins.
- Frequency: As needed, often during routine check-ups.

6. Imaging Tests:
- X-rays, MRI, CT Scans, PET Scans: Used to detect lesions or damage in bones and soft tissues.
- Frequency: As needed, based on symptoms and disease progression.

Frequency of Bone Marrow Biopsies:
- Bone marrow biopsies are typically done at diagnosis and may be repeated to monitor disease progression or response to treatment. The frequency depends on the individual case and the treating physician's recommendations.

Tests Between Bone Marrow Biopsies:
- Blood Tests: Regular blood tests, including CBC, serum protein electrophoresis, and serum light chain assay, can be done to monitor the status of MM.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and PET scans can be used to monitor bone lesions and disease progression.

For specific details about the clonoSEQ test and its frequency, please refer to the official website: [clonoSEQ](https://www.clonoseq.com/about-clonoseq/).

November 25
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Congratulations to you on your 5th treatment and my best wishes and prayers are with you!!!
Currently I am seeing two mm specialists one in Houston and one local in Lake Charles but I only have a visit scheduled every 6 months in Houston at mdanderson and every 3-4 months at memorial in Lake Charles. The only time I really actually know about my cancer status is when I visit mdanderson in Houston every 6 months. I find it to be a long time of not knowing what my status is for 6 months. At memorial all they do is a basic 3 vial draw showing very few results none are cancer status results.
Is this normal procedure?

November 25

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