Minimal residual disease assessment in acute lymphoblastic leukemia by 4-color flow cytometry: Recommendations from the MRD Working Group of the Brazilian Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation

Abstract

Introduction: The minimal residual disease (MRD) status plays a crucial role in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is currently used in most therapeutic protocols to guide the appropriate therapeutic decision. Therefore, it is imperative that laboratories offer accurate and reliable results through well standardized technical processes by establishing rigorous operating procedures. Method: Our goal is to propose a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) panel for MRD detection in ALL and provide recommendations intended for flow cytometry laboratories that work on 4-color flow cytometry platforms. Results and conclusion: The document includes pre-analytical and analytical procedures, quality control assurance, technical procedures, as well as the information that needs to be included in the reports for clinicians.

Keywords

• Minimal residual disease
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Flow cytometry