Measurable Residual Disease Detection in B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: The Children's Oncology Group (COG) Method

Measurable (minimal) residual disease (MRD) in B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), as assessed by flow cytometry, is an established prognostic factor used to adjust treatment in most pediatric therapeutic protocols. MRD in B-ALL has been standardized by the Children's Oncology Group in North America and more recently in a multicenter Foundation for the National Institutes of Health-funded study. This article outlines the reagents, instrument setup, and analysis protocols required for the reproducible detection of residual leukemic cells in patients following induction therapy for B-ALL. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Staining and flow cytometry for B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) measurable residual disease detection Support Protocol: Specimen collection, handling, storage, and shipping Basic Protocol 2: Analysis and interpretation of data for B-ALL measurable residual disease detection Basic Protocol 3: Analysis of samples lacking sufficient CD19+ events.