Patient-specific microRNA expression profiles as a marker for minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia

MicroRNAs are a class of small noncoding RNAs playing a crucial role in physiological and pathological conditions, including acute myeloid leukemia. We aimed at examining whether in clinical settings the identification of patient-specific leukemia-associated profiles (LAMPs) of overexpressed microRNAs could be used for minimal residual disease (MRD) detection. Patients with identified LAMPs at diagnosis were further tested for the presence of LAMP after induction therapy. Those with identifiable MRD defined by LAMP expression after induction showed a trend toward a shorter overall survival. Larger studies are needed to confirm the utility of patient-specific LAMPs for MRD follow-up.