Bone Marrow biopsy

[MCBR2]

I was diagnosed with PV in 2014 and had bone marrow with inconclusive results. Recent blood tests now show I have ET and my consultant wants another bone marrow, but I am terrified as it did not go well the first time. I have read that there is soon to be a new blood test which gives the DNA results of the bone marrow. I am wondering if anyone has had this test? or knows if it is going to be available soon.

[EPguy]

Do you have more info on the new tech? Sounds interesting.

With current tech we can can genetic DNA info from either blood or BMB (our allele burden, type etc) But so far only BMB can give the "histology" which is the shape and physical features in the marrow seen by a microscope. This includes for example, fibrosis (actual fibers) cellurality (physical cells in the marrow)....

If you have ET the BMB would likely include "proliferation mainly of the megakaryocyte lineage with increased numbers of enlarged, mature megakaryocytes with hyperlobulated nuclei." (from 2016 WHO criteria) These are physical features. If there is a way to see this with a blood that would be wonderful for all of us.

I have an interest in all this being PV Dx with ET features.

[MCBR2 in reply to EPguy]

Thanks. No further information to give apart from it was a trail and the article said it might be on offer soon.

[EPguy in reply to MCBR2]

If you have a copy of the article it would be neat to see.

[hunter5582]

The issues with bone marrow biopsies often has to do with the skill of the person doing the procedure. Suggest you ensure that you ensure that the person doing the procedure is skilled/does a lot of them. You can also look into anesthesia options for the procedure.

I am not aware of any new blood tests per se. There has been significant progress in genetic testing since 2014. Many MPN specialists no longer feel a BMB is necessary in all cases.

SUggest you review your concerns with a MPN Specialist.

[Wyebird]

I haven’t heard about that. I must mention it in my next support meeting

[Solyesh]

Hunter is 100% spot on - it really depends on the experience of the person conducting the BMB - volume = experience and the likelihood that they have seen and done more so have a better technique. I absolutely did NOT want to get a BMB - it wasn't fun but not as bad as I had thought and given the information we got, I am glad I did it.

[MCBR2 in reply to Solyesh]

Thanks. I suffer from anxiety. I will discuss if I can have some tranquilizers this time. Last time I nearly fainted and threw up from the pain. I was just wondering if this procedure is really necessary and if there is not a better way.

[Arty16]

I had my original bone marrow byopsie 4 years ago and got nothing and was in a lot of pain flr weeks. But i have just had another and was really easy. They got there samples was sore for about 2 days and then fine. They tried the other side and it made all the difference. Hope it goes well.

[MCBR2 in reply to Arty16]

Thanks. Going to try the other side.