Detection of measurable residual disease in adults with acute leukaemia

Abstract

Introduction. Measurable residual disease (MRD) is a residual amount of malignant cells able to invoke relapse after complete haematological remission.Aim. Analysis of the MRD prognostic value in various treatment protocols for acute leukaemia.Main findings. MRD is a good prognostic indicator in lymphoblastic and myeloid leukaemia. Quantification of residual tumour cells is used for patient risk stratification according to the relapse prognosis. Stratification data, including MRD estimates at check points, may impact therapy choice, such as transplantation of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cells. Therefore, MRD estimation in acute leukaemia has become mandatory in clinical trial and research.