ASH 2020 | MRD negativity predicts improved survival in AML

Farhad Ravandi, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, discusses the results of a meta-analysis investigating the prognostic impact of measurable residual disease (MRD) on survival in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Inconsistent data on how to use MRD for risk stratification and clinical decision making has prevented utilisation of this prognostic tool necessitating a more thorough investigation into its impact on clinical outcomes in AML. 81 publications totaling data from over 11,000 patients were analyzed. The results showed that MRD negativity was associated with superior overall survival and disease-free survival, irrespective of age group, AML subgroup or MRD assessment time point. This indicates that MRD status may be a clinically useful endpoint for clinical trials. Furthermore, a post-hoc analysis of a Phase II trial (NCT03404193) of combined venetoclax and decitabine therapy in AML found that MRD negativity was associated with improved outcomes. This interview took place during the 62nd American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, 2020.