Monitoring Treatment-Free Remission by Droplet Digital PCR in CML Patients with Deep Molecular Response to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor: An Analysis Based on Real-World Data.

This study aimed to compare and evaluate the clinical value of dd-PCR in predicting relapse in CML patients entering TFR. Using dd-PCR and RT-qPCR technology, dynamic BCR/ABL transcripts were detected in 13 CML patients who discontinued TKI treatment after sustaining undetectable BCR-ABL levels for a median time of 25 months. The results showed that in 13 patients, only 2 cases (22.2%) of 9 patients who executed planned discontinuation achieved TFR within 12 months. In the first 6 months, the detection rate of BCR/ABL transcripts by dd-PCR was higher than that by RT-qPCR and the two methods kept a positive correlation (r=0.9651, P=0.0349). Meanwhile, the time of detectable BCR/ABL by dd-PCR were significantly shorter (P<0.05), which was an average of 2.98 months earlier than RT-qPCR. The total TKI therapy and MR4.5 duration time related with TFR were longer in patients with intermediate or high Sokal risk scores (p<0.05). The dd-PCR could be more sensitive than RT-qPCR for monitoring BCR/ABL transcripts of CML patients with deep molecular response to TKI. The technique can be used as a preferred method to detect the transcripts in the first 6 months after TKI cessation. PMID: 33067205 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science - Category: Laboratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Ann Clin Lab Sci Source Type: research