MRD (minimum residual disease) test

MRD test is a new thing i heard in AML cases, yes it might be a common word for you, but at least this is not used in AIIMS

What is Minimum Residual Disease ( MRD ) test?

Progress in understanding DNA changes in AML has already provided a highly sensitive test for detecting the smallest amount of leukemia left after treatment (minimal residual disease), even when so few leukemia cells are present that they cannot be found by routine bone marrow tests.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can identify AML cells based on their gene translocations or rearrangements. This test can find one leukemia cell among a million normal cells. A PCR test can be useful in determining how completely the treatment has destroyed the AML cells.

Doctors are now trying to determine what effect minimal residual disease has on a patient's outlook, and how this might affect the need for further or more intensive treatment.

Source: http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/Leukemia-AcuteMyeloidAML/DetailedGuide/leukemia-acute-myeloid-myelogenous-new-research

When this test is done?

Immediately after your last chemotherapy ( before discharge )

Where it can help?

Well definitely a negative report means there is no Leukaemia cell is present in body, it means longer remission period..

but if it comes out Positive, then it definitely means lets prepare for BMT.

In some sense this test helps both doctor and patient to take a decision on Bone Marrow Test ( BMT )  

Cost of the Test In India?

Not know so far.