Clinical Applications and Pitfalls of MRD in ALL

Evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most important parameter for treatment decisions (1). When assessed after induction/ consolidation therapy it determines the outcome. MRD negative patients have a survival probability of about 70% at 5 years or more, compared to 20% or less for patients remaining MRD positive (2). This is observed in several studies for Ph/ bcr-abl negative as well as for Ph/ bcr-abl positive patients (3). Adult patients remaining MRD positive require immediate action, since otherwise proceeding to a hematological relapse, which is difficult to treat successfully.
Source: Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma and Leukemia - Category: Hematology Authors: Source Type: research