A single tube 10-color flow cytometry assay optimizes detection of minimal residual disease (MRD)

[Cllcanada]

Levels of residual disease (RD) are an independent predictor of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients treated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Researchers at the Flow Cytometry Unit, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia, have modified the international standardized approach (ISA) to RD detection using flow cytometry by developing a single tube 10 color antibody assay.

Dilution studies showed that sensitivity of 0.001% was achievable when a minimum of 1.8 × 106 total events were acquired.

Conclusion:

The single tube 10-color assay for the detection of RD in CLL provides equivalent results to the ISA but requires fewer cells, uses fewer reagents, and allows for simpler analysis. By directly removing contaminating events, it improves the accuracy of CLL RD detection and may reclassify the status of some patients following chemotherapy.

This is still a research project that may or may not become a commercial test...it is

likely a few years in the future....

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

[jangreen]

Hi I'm interested in this because I went on a trial for residue (FCR + M). It is hoped that I will stay in remission longer. Lets hope.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

There are a number of MRD tests available currently, did you have one done on your blood or bone marrow?

MRDs aren't used much in the clinic however...the current sensitivity is one malignant cell in 10,000 which is considered MRD negative...

Pretty hard to get to this however...