MRD negativity linked with improved survival in AML

Measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity is associated with improved survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and should be considered a clinical trial endpoint, according to a study published in JAMA Oncology.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, 81 clinical studies including data that assessed disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) by MRD status for 11,151 patients with AML, were included.

The average hazard ratios for achieving MRD negativity was 0.36 and 0.37 for OS and DFS, respectively.

The estimated 5-year DFS for patients without and with MRD were 64% and 25%, respectively. The estimated OS for patients without MRD and with MRD were 68% and 34%, respectively.

MRD negativity is associated with superior DFS and OS in patients with AML, across age groups, subtypes, time of MRD assessment, specimen source, and MRD detection methods.

The authors concluded that, “These results support MRD status as an end point that may allow for accelerated evaluation of novel therapies in AML.”

Reference
Short NJ, Zhou S, Fu C, et al. Association of measurable residual disease with survival outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Oncol. 2020;doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.4600