Minimal Residual Disease (MRD)
gets its due
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MRD could be a more sensitive predictor of early relapse, and an improved, more precise indicator of drug efficacy than
progression-free survival. Currently, there is no consensus on the best approach(es) to measure MRD , with several advanced
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laboratory technologies developing their respective platforms. Additionally, the required sensitivity of the MRD test is also
in question, with a need to identify and agree to a standardize measurement. In July, the MMRF helped host a meeting of
government, industry, and key opinion leaders to begin formulating an action plan.
For patients once thought to have
rate and progression-free survival. This
helped host the “Advances in Minimal
achieved a complete response following
could help speed drug development
Residual Disease Testing in Multiple
treatment, scientists have always
and approval.
Myeloma” meeting at Memorial Sloan
known that small amounts of cancer
cells can remain. This is known as
minimal residual disease (MRD) and its
presence appears to increase the risk
of relapse among patients. Detecting
MRD could help doctors provide more
effective care.
The challenge? It is currently uncertain
what level of detection of MRD is
sufficient to appropriately estimate the
risk of disease progression, and clinical
trials are needed to further evaluate
the various methods. The MMRF is
collaborating with researchers to
MRD could also help measure the
compare two of the new technologies in
efficacy of drugs in clinical trials faster
the INSIDE MM-1 study.
and more accurately than current
endpoints, such as overall response
Kettering Cancer Center in New
York. This meeting brought together
representatives from the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA),
National Cancer Institute (NCI), and
the biotechnology/pharmaceutical
industry, as well as key opinion leaders
to discuss the latest developments.
The meeting wa ́