molecular residual disease
Also written as: MRD — molecular residual disease
Submicroscopic cancer cells detectable only through highly sensitive molecular techniques after primary treatment.
Full Definition
Molecular residual disease (MRD) refers to persistent cancer cells that remain below the detection threshold of conventional imaging and clinical assessment but can be identified using molecular markers, circulating tumor DNA, or other highly sensitive technologies. In oncology informatics, MRD monitoring systems integrate longitudinal molecular data to predict relapse risk and guide adjuvant therapy decisions. This concept has largely replaced 'minimal residual disease' terminology in solid tumor oncology.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'molecular' over 'minimal' in contemporary solid tumor contexts.
In Context
- "Post-operative molecular residual disease testing identified patients at high risk for recurrence within two years." — Surgical oncology outcomes study
- "The laboratory developed a custom molecular residual disease assay targeting patient-specific tumor mutations." — Precision medicine implementation plan