What is MRD and why is testing for it useful in acute myeloid leukemia?

What is MRD and why is testing for it useful in AML?

So what is MRD. MRD stands for measurable residual disease or it used to be called more commonly minimal residual disease. This refers to small amounts of leukemia or AML that may persist after initial therapy. And so it's detectable with more sensitive techniques that we have now that we didn't used to have in the past. And it's disease that can be detected even in patients who otherwise look like they're in remission.

When you look at the bone marrow test, for example, under the microscope, and it's important because by nature, the fact that it reflects some amount of residual leukemia that's left behind, it can inform a patient's individual risk for relapse in the future.