Minimal/measurable residual disease in AML: a consensus document from the European LeukemiaNet MRD Working Party

Blood. 2018 Mar 22;131(12):1275-1291. doi: 10.1182/blood-2017-09-801498. Epub 2018 Jan 12.

Abstract

Measurable residual disease (MRD; previously termed minimal residual disease) is an independent, postdiagnosis, prognostic indicator in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is important for risk stratification and treatment planning, in conjunction with other well-established clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular data assessed at diagnosis. MRD can be evaluated using a variety of multiparameter flow cytometry and molecular protocols, but, to date, these approaches have not been qualitatively or quantitatively standardized, making their use in clinical practice challenging. The objective of this work was to identify key clinical and scientific issues in the measurement and application of MRD in AML, to achieve consensus on these issues, and to provide guidelines for the current and future use of MRD in clinical practice. The work was accomplished over 2 years, during 4 meetings by a specially designated MRD Working Party of the European LeukemiaNet. The group included 24 faculty with expertise in AML hematopathology, molecular diagnostics, clinical trials, and clinical medicine, from 19 institutions in Europe and the United States.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Consensus Development Conferences as Topic
  • Europe
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / diagnosis*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / pathology
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / therapy*
  • Neoplasm, Residual
  • Prognosis
  • United States