Accurate quantification of minimal residual disease at day 15, by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction identifies also patients with B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia at high risk for relapse

The study by Panzer-Grumayer et al. demonstrated that assessing minimal residual disease (MRD) in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) using semiquantitative molecular methods on day 15 of induction therapy was feasible. This approach allowed for the identification of patients with B-precursor ALL who were at high risk for relapse. The use of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provided an accurate quantification of MRD, which was crucial for early detection of patients at risk, potentially guiding more tailored treatment strategies.