Minimal residual disease in solid tumor malignancies: a review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDC/ASCT) is increasingly used for solid tumors.
• Concerns exist regarding tumor cell contamination within the stem cell graft used for transplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of minimal residual disease (MRD) in solid tumor malignancies undergoing HDC/ASCT.
• To emphasize assay methodology, clinical utility, and relevance in transplantation medicine.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on MRD detection in autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) grafts.
• Analysis of various assay methods for tumor detection, sensitivity, and specificity.

Main Results:

• Multiple studies confirm the presence and viability of tumor cells in ASCT grafts from patients with neuroblastoma, breast, and ovarian cancers.
• Retrospective studies show a strong association between tumor cell infusion in ASCT grafts and post-transplantation relapse.
• Gene-marking studies demonstrate infused tumor cells at relapse sites.

Conclusions:

• Tumor contamination of autologous stem cell grafts is a significant and growing concern in solid tumor treatment.
• Understanding and detecting MRD in ASCT grafts is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing relapse rates.