Detection and monitoring of minimal residual disease can be accomplished by quantitative PCR, specifically in chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute prolymphocytic leukemia. Quantitative PCR provides at least 100 to 1000 times greater sensitivity than fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH). Measurements are taken at baseline in newly diagnosed cases and at regular intervals to monitor for evidence of molecular remission in response to chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
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BCR/ABL qRT PCR, Major p210 and Minor p190 Mutations, Minimal Residual Disease