Methods of Detection of Measurable Residual Disease in AML

The presence of measurable (minimal) residual disease (MRD) after induction and/or consolidation chemotherapy is a significant risk factor for relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In recognition of the clinical significance of AML MRD, the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recently recommended the establishment of CR-MRDNegative as a separate category of treatment response. This recommendation represents a major milestone in the integration of AML MRD testing in standard clinical practice. This review article summarizes the methodologies employed in AML MRD detection and their application in clinical studies that provide evidence supporting the clinical utility of AML MRD testing. Future MRD evaluations in AML likely will require an integrated approach combining multi-parameter flow cytometry and high-sensitivity molecular techniques applied to time points during and after completion of therapy in order to provide the most accurate and comprehensive assessment of treatment response.