Clinical value of measurable residual disease assessment in multiple myeloma

In recent years, Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) assessment in Multiple Myeloma (MM) has gained increasing relevance. After more than a decade of active research in the field, new drugs and treatment strategies have emerged. They have significantly modified the way we approach the disease by transforming deep and sustained responses into a realistic goal.

 

Thanks to the technological development, classic detection approaches like conventional flow cytometry or ASO-PCR, have evolved into next generation methodologies that have supported MRD to become a more widely used prognostic indicator and clinical decision-making tool. Other alternative methods, like liquid biopsy or mass spectrometry, are also making their way to the front-line of treatment monitoring, but their efficient integration in patient management is yet to be defined.

 

Lastly, substantial efforts are ongoing to recognize the value of standardization of MRD assessment. Following standardized methodologies can accelerate the obtention of clinically meaningful results and thus, lead to further optimized therapies.

 

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