Pre-Transplant MRD Predicts HCT Outcome in AML

Pre-transplant minimal residual disease (MRD) levels can predict hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) outcomes in patients with AML in first or subsequent remission, according to a single-center retrospective study of 88 adults undergoing myeloablative or reduced-intensity HCT. Median patient age was 45 years (range, 18-70) and multiparametric flow cytometry was used to stratify patients into MRD-negative, low-level MRD-positive (<1%) or high-level MRD-positive groups (14.9%). Two-year survival in these groups were 66.8%, 51%, and 30%, respectively (p=0.012). The researchers concluded that increased levels of pre-transplant MRD are associated with decreased survival and that MRD testing should therefore be integrated into transplant strategies for AML patients in first or subsequent remission.

Anthias C, et al. Bone Marrow Transplant