MMRF Accelerator Magazine Winter 2015 Edition | Page 8

Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) gets its due 1 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 1 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 ́