Achieving measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity after completing therapy is an early indicator of overall survival. Presently, MRD testing is only permitted in clinical trials, however, Barbara Eichhorst from the University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany, states that there is beneficial use for MRD in routine testing. Discussing recent findings from a clinical trial with a longer follow-up, Prof. Eichhorst reports data showing that MRD-negative patients who come out of treatment continue to remain MRD negative. from the 2018 Society of Hematologic Oncology (SOHO) Annual Meeting, held in Houston, TX, Prof. Eichhorst highlights the importance of using MRD testing routinely to observe the efficacy of novel treatments.
From clinical trials to routine testing: the potential of MRD in CLL
