MRD
Also written as: MRD — Minimal Residual Disease
Minimal residual disease, the small number of cancer cells remaining after treatment that cannot be detected by standard methods.
Full Definition
Minimal residual disease (MRD) refers to the small population of cancer cells that persist after initial treatment but are below the detection threshold of conventional morphologic assessment. MRD testing uses highly sensitive molecular or flow cytometric techniques to detect one cancer cell among 10,000 to 100,000 normal cells. In pediatric oncology, MRD status is increasingly used for risk stratification and treatment modification, particularly in acute leukemias. MRD-negative status generally indicates better prognosis and may allow for treatment de-escalation.
Usage
Usage note: May also be called 'measurable residual disease' in newer literature.
In Context
- "MRD testing at day 29 showed 0.01% blasts by flow cytometry." — Laboratory report
- "Patients with MRD-positive status received intensified therapy per protocol." — Clinical study report