minimal/measurable residual disease
Also written as: MRD — Minimal/Measurable Residual Disease
Low levels of cancer cells remaining after treatment, detected by highly sensitive laboratory techniques.
Full Definition
Minimal residual disease (MRD), increasingly termed measurable residual disease, refers to the small number of cancer cells that remain in the body after treatment but are below the detection threshold of conventional morphologic assessment. Advanced techniques such as multiparameter flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing, and PCR-based assays can detect one malignant cell among 10,000 to 1,000,000 normal cells. MRD status has emerged as a powerful prognostic indicator and surrogate endpoint in clinical trials, influencing treatment duration decisions and transplantation timing. The terminology shift to 'measurable' reflects the quantitative nature of modern detection methods.
Usage
Usage note: Both 'minimal' and 'measurable' are acceptable; use consistently within documents
In Context
- "MRD negativity after two cycles predicted superior progression-free survival in the clinical trial." — Clinical research manuscript
- "The updated guidelines recommend MRD assessment using standardized flow cytometry protocols." — Clinical practice guideline