Advantages of Molecular Monitoring | CML Alliance
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Advantages of Molecular MonitoringAdvantages of Molecular Monitoring

With the ability to detect as little as 0.001% of remaining Bcr-Abl transcripts, RQ-PCR can detect low levels of residual disease burden (see Figure 1 below).1-3 This can help facilitate evidence-based decisions during the course of treatment and may help patients achieve their response goals.1,2

Substantial new evidence indicates that that greater reductions in the level of BCR-ABL transcripts correlate with improved progression-free survival in patients with Ph+ CML who achieve a major molecular response (MMR).4 An MMR has been defined as at least a 3-log (or a 0.1% BCR-ABL to control gene ratio) reduction below a standardized baseline.2 Accordingly, international guidelines identify MMR as the current optimal treatment goal.5

Figure 1:

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In addition, RQ-PCR testing is a simple blood test that is easy for both patients and physicians to perform.1


Next: RQ-PCR Testing and Standardized Programs


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References

  1. Radich JP. How I monitor residual disease in chronic myeloid leukemia. Blood. 2009;114(16):3376-3381.
  2. Hughes T, Deininger M, Hochhaus A, et al. Monitoring CML patients responding to treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors: review and recommendations for harmonizing current methodology for detecting BCR-ABL transcripts and kinase domain mutations and for expressing results. Blood. 2006;108(1):28-37.
  3. Baccarani M, Pane F, Saglio G. Monitoring treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. Haematologica. 2008;93(2):161-166.
  4. Hughes TP, Kaeda J, Branford S, et al; for the International Randomised study of Interferon versus STI571 (IRIS) Study Group. Frequency of major molecular responses to imatinib or interferon alfa plus cytarabine in newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia. N Engl J Med. 2003;349(15):1423-1432.
  5. Baccarani M, Cortes J, Pane F, et al. Chronic myeloid leukemia: an update of concepts and management recommendations of European LeukemiaNet. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27(35):6041-6051.