Assessment of minimal residual disease in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The improving cure rate of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cALL) is considered as success story in the field of oncology. It has become possible due to progressive refinement of treatment over the period of years. Assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD) is one such tool to further refine and personalize treatment of cALL. Assessment of MRD is no longer a research tool; it has become an integral part of comprehensive management of cALL. Prognostic importance of MRD in cALL is well accepted, but translation of this new information in improving therapy has just begun especially in developing countries like ours. There is increasing understanding among clinicians regarding importance of MRD assessment in day to day clinical practice. Still, there are many issues and lack of clarity with respect to MRD assessment. We are making an attempt in this review to address such issues faced during practical implication of MRD assessment