Minimal Residual Disease (MRD)

Minimal residual disease (MRD) refers to the remaining myeloma cells during and after treatment when a patient is in remission with no symptoms or signs of disease.

At the Myeloma Center, we utilize MRD testing to and predict response to therapy and early relapse and guide treatment selection.

Our researchers can detect residual cells through the use of multiparameter flow cytometry and characterize the cells via highly sensitive molecular techniques.

MRD assessed by flow cytometry can be utilized as an indicator of outcome in patients who have achieved conventional complete response and is a helpful prognostic tool for patients with both standard and adverse risk cytogenetics.    Residual cancer cells are resistant to therapy and are responsible for eventual relapses; the characterization of these cells allows us to detect potential relapses as quickly as possible and incorporate targeted, therapeutic interventions.

New data and advances gleaned from ongoing clinical trials are helping to define MRD testing as a universal standard of care.