Measurable (Minimal) Residual Disease—A Meaningful Biomarker in Multiple Myeloma

I ndividual studies and meta-analyses highlight superior survival outcomes among those multiple myeloma patients achieving measurable residual disease (MRD) negative status. With the availability of next-generation flow cytomery and sequencing technologies, it is realistically possible to track MRD response in every patient. As the scientific evidence mounts, MRD is being established as a desired end-point for clinical trials. Future efforts should be directed at validating MRD as a surrogate biomarker for developing curative strategies and determining how MRD can be used to guide therapeutic decisions.