Mini Review
Charitha Gangadharan, Nataraj
Abstract
Minimal residual disease (MRD) represents the residual disease diagnosed following therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by molecular methods of multiparameter flow cytometry or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Assessment of MRD is becoming a standard of care, considering its predictive implication in identifying high-risk patients to intensify the therapy. MRD is an independent prognostic factor and interpretation of MRD results is complicated. Developing and refining MRD assays to define the value of MRD testing to assess response to treatment and predict relapse is the need of the hour. However, the availability of high-end technologies is limited in developing countries. Flow cytometry is the mainstay of evaluating MRD in a developing country like India.