Correlation Of Mrd Status And Relapse In Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract

The presence of minimal residual disease (MRD) subsequent to the attainment of complete remission (CR) following induction therapy can serve as a predictor for relapse in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These findings indicate a potential association between relapse and MRD at the time of morphologic remission. Our primary aim was to validate the previously proposed hypothesis, exploring whether MRD and relapse offer distinct and independent prognostic insights.

Methods and Patients: We analyzed data from a cohort of 87 adult AML patients who successfully achieved CR following induction therapy. Subsequently, bone marrow samples were collected upon the achievement of complete remission, and MRD was assessed using 5-color multiparameter flow cytometry.

Results: Among the 87 patients who attained morphological CR, 28 experienced relapses or exhibited refractory AML. Notably, 40 patients (48.2%) exhibited flow cytometric evidence of MRD, out of which 16 (18.3%) eventually experienced a relapse, while 24 (27.5%) did not relapse. The incidence rate of relapse was notably higher among MRD-positive cases, accompanied by a heightened hazard ratio.

In conclusion, MRD levels appear to be significantly correlated with the prognostic factors associated with relapse in AML patients