I have been on gleevec about 11 months and
every blood tests has shown cancer cells
to be decreasing such as .005 but this
last test showed .014 which the doctor
said was a minor rise but I am concerned
that the pill isn't going to keep working.
Is this a normal thing for cml patients
or will I most likely have to increase my
dosage?
|
DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 16777211
Thanks: 17
Thanked:0
Leukemia Answer A3172 Posted: 08-17-07 08:56am
Even theoretically chemotherapeutic drugs
can’t kill all the malignant cells
produced by a cancer. Unfortunately, over
time, chemotherapy becomes less effective
against the malignant cells. Malignant
cells can become resistant to certain
types of chemotherapeutic drugs. You will
need an expert opinion from a hematologist
about the type and dosage of medicine for
treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" Questions are answered by Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov, General Practitioner. Dr. Gjuzelov practices medicine for the general public and is affiliated with the Republic of Macedonia Public Health Institution. For more information about Dr. Gjuzelov or other eHealthForum.com medical experts, please visit our About Us page. You may also visit our Leukemia Forum, for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The material presented in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified licensed medical professional. eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor advises all users with health problems and concerns to consult their personal doctors. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, you must consult your qualified licenseced medical professional before starting any treatment.
The materials in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. To the fullest extent possible, eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor expressly excludes all liability in respect of the information and opinions contained in the Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor, this Web site, or any sites linked to this Web site.
