Are you asking about what to expect from an upcoming bone marrow biopsy, or about newer types of bone marrow tests used in myeloma care?
A bone marrow biopsy is a key test for myeloma — it checks for myeloma cells and helps guide treatment decisions. Here's what the process generally involves:
- The area at the back of Show Full Answer
Are you asking about what to expect from an upcoming bone marrow biopsy, or about newer types of bone marrow tests used in myeloma care?
A bone marrow biopsy is a key test for myeloma — it checks for myeloma cells and helps guide treatment decisions. Here's what the process generally involves:
- The area at the back of the hip bone is numbed first
- A needle is inserted to collect a small amount of liquid marrow (aspiration) and a tiny piece of bone
- The whole procedure takes around 10 minutes
- The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis One MyMyelomaTeam member strongly recommends asking for conscious sedation, having had six biopsies before discovering that option — they said it made the experience much easier.
For those already in treatment, a bone marrow sample can also be used for a Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) test. This checks how well treatment is working by looking for any remaining myeloma cells. The goal is to be MRD-negative, meaning fewer than 1 myeloma cell per million bone marrow cells — which is linked to a lower chance of relapse.
A newer, FDA-approved test called clonoSEQ uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect MRD with high sensitivity, and some doctors also use imaging like PET/CT scans alongside it to check for any myeloma outside the bone marrow.
June 9
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