minimal residual disease
Also written as: MRD — minimal residual disease
The small number of cancer cells that remain in the body after treatment, detectable only by sensitive laboratory methods.
Full Definition
Minimal residual disease (MRD) refers to the presence of small numbers of leukemic or lymphoma cells that persist after treatment and are below the detection threshold of conventional morphologic examination. MRD monitoring uses highly sensitive techniques such as flow cytometry or molecular methods to detect one cancer cell among 10,000 to 1,000,000 normal cells. MRD status is increasingly important for treatment decisions, including the need for additional therapy or bone marrow transplantation.
Usage
Usage note: MRD is the preferred abbreviation in clinical documentation; ensure consistent hyphenation in 'residual disease'.
In Context
- "Minimal residual disease monitoring guided the decision to proceed with allogeneic transplantation." — Treatment decision note
- "MRD negativity was achieved in 78% of patients after consolidation therapy." — Clinical trial report