I recently learned that you can have a PCR test to determine if you have a molecular complete response when being treated for multiple myeloma. I just achieved a stringent complete response as determined by immunifixation. When should a PCR test be done and how difficult a test is it?
Hi! Thanks for your question on molecular diagnostics. Well, immunization studies confirm that the neoplastic plasma cells that secrete abnormal proteins are absent in your body, but it cannot exclude those plasma cells that have the potential to proliferate and secrete abnormal proteins in future! Only PCR and some gene-rearrangement tests, FISH etc. can detect that.PCR targets some specific sequence of the neoplastic plasma cells gene and grow the clone with help of polymerase enzyme; it is a simple and very easy automated test takes 30-60 minutes, but the sample needs to be contamination-free! Hope you got the answer; regards,