Ask Dr. Durie: What is minimal residual disease (MRD)?

In this “Ask Dr. Durie” video, IMF Chairperson of the Board and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Brian G.M. Durie answers the question, “What is MRD or minimal residual disease?” He explains how MRD testing can help speed up the approval of new myeloma drugs.

MRD refers to the small number of cancer cells that may remain in the body after treatment and are undetectable by conventional tests. The video explains how MRD can serve as a sensitive marker to assess treatment effectiveness and monitor disease progression with greater precision.

Understanding MRD is crucial for myeloma patients and healthcare professionals alike. The video highlights how MRD testing provides valuable information on the depth of treatment response, allowing physicians to tailor treatment plans and make informed decisions to achieve the best possible outcomes.

By measuring the presence of MRD, clinicians can identify patients at higher risk of disease relapse and consider additional or alternative treatment strategies to prevent recurrence. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the most effective therapies, minimizing the risk of disease progression.

The video also addresses the evolving landscape of MRD testing, including new technologies and advancements that have made detection more sensitive and reliable. These innovations have further improved the accuracy of MRD assessment, enabling healthcare providers to make more informed decisions for their patients.

As part of the IMF's commitment to patient education, the video emphasizes the significance of informed discussions between patients and their healthcare teams about MRD testing and its implications. Empowering patients with knowledge about their treatment progress allows for active participation in shared decision-making.

By offering a deeper understanding of MRD and its impact on therapeutic decisions, this video empowers patients and healthcare professionals to work together in achieving optimal treatment outcomes.

Link: https://www.myeloma.org/videos/minimal-residual-disease-mrd