Minimal residual disease detection using flow cytometry: Applications in acute leukemia

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• Minimal residual disease (MRD) detection is vital for predicting treatment outcomes in acute leukemia.
• MRD monitoring guides therapy intensification for high-risk patients and deintensification for low-risk patients, preventing long-term chemotherapy sequelae.
• Flow cytometry (FCM) offers a faster, less labor-intensive method for MRD detection compared to polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Purpose of the Study:

• This review highlights the detection of MRD using FCM.
• It discusses the application of FCM in managing acute leukemia.
• The review emphasizes FCM's role in current clinical practice for MRD assessment.

Main Methods:

• Current immune-based methodologies rely on establishing leukemia-associated aberrant immunophenotype (LAIP) at diagnosis or relapse.
• Alternatively, standardized antibody panels are used in a different-from-normal approach for MRD detection.
• Flow cytometry (FCM) is employed for sensitive detection of residual disease.

Main Results:

• FCM is a valuable tool for MRD detection in acute leukemia.
• The technique aids in stratifying patients based on risk.
• MRD assessment by FCM influences therapeutic decisions.

Conclusions:

• Flow cytometry is a key technology for MRD detection in acute leukemia.
• Accurate MRD monitoring via FCM improves patient management and outcomes.
• FCM-based MRD assessment is integral to modern hematologic oncology practice.