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The goal of measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring is to identify patients with a higher risk of relapse in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and adjust their treatment methods accordingly. In the development of treatment approaches, the results of MRD detection serve as important indicators for assessing treatment efficacy and facilitating the development of new therapies.
Alfa Cytology provides efficient solutions for MRD detection in AML, offering an assessment of treatment efficacy for your experimental treatment approaches in acute myeloid leukemia. Whether you are developing MRD detection methods or need to monitor MRD in experimental animals, our high-quality services will be a powerful support in addressing this issue.
MRD in AML refers to the small number of leukemia cells that may remain in the body following treatment, despite achieving remission. These residual leukemia cells are present at levels undetectable by traditional microscopic examination of the bone marrow or blood samples. MRD assessment in AML is crucial for evaluating the depth of remission and predicting the risk of disease relapse. By monitoring MRD levels during and after treatment, clinicians can determine the effectiveness of therapy and make informed decisions regarding post-remission strategies.
Fig. 1. After therapy, chemotherapy-resistant leukemic blasts and leukemic stem cells can remain in the bone marrow. (Ngai, L.L., et al., 2021)
Our research focuses on the development of more precise and advanced biotechnological measurement methods. These methods aim to detect minimal residual malignant cells that traditional screening approaches fail to identify after initial treatment. Although residual cells often do not manifest disease signs or symptoms, they serve as valuable biomarkers for prognostication and prediction.
We utilize multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) for MRD detection. Our MFC approach is based on the aberrant antigen expression of leukemia cells. By identifying leukemia-associated immunophenotypes, we can distinguish leukemia cells from normal cells.
Using a combination of identified marrow markers, normal progenitor antigens, and aberrantly expressed cell surface markers (multiple), our MFC analysis detects the minute residual malignant cells that are difficult to detect post-treatment, providing accurate experimental results.
Based on the MRD DNA samples provided, we design polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays to measure the presence of MRD cells in the samples. Our primary objective is to quantitatively assess MRD cells by focusing on the analysis of genetic targets, which encompass gene rearrangements, breakpoints associated with chromosomal translocations, fusion gene transcripts, and other abnormal genes. To achieve this, we integrate traditional PCR with real-time measurement of fluorescently labeled PCR products. This innovative detection method enables accurate quantification of the abundance of these genetic abnormalities, facilitating the evaluation of MRD in specific subtypes of AM).
| Technologies | Service Details |
| RT-PCR | The RT-PCR we provide is used for the detection of CBF fusion genes and NPM1 mutation genes. In this process, fusion gene transcripts and other transcripts are subjected to mRNA reverse transcription, generating cDNA exons that can be amplified through PCR cycles. Quantifiable target sequence products are then analyzed using probes to identify patients with an increased risk of relapse. |
| RQ-PCR | We offer RQ-PCR for the detection of core binding factor (CBF), fusion genes RUNX1/RUNX1T1, CBFB/MYH11, and NPM1 gene mutations in leukemia. Identifying mutations associated with AML contributes to predicting the likelihood of AML relapse. |
| Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) | Using ddPCR for absolute quantification of target genes without the need for standard curves, we can detect molecular MRD in adult AML. If your goal is to detect NPM1 mutations in post-treatment AML samples, we recommend ddPCR. |
Although our detection method based on RT/RQ/dd-PCR provides high sensitivity in detecting MRD in AML with specific fusion genes, its applicability is limited to specific AML subtypes due to the lack of reliable molecular markers. If you need to detect residual AML types, we offer NGS, which allows for the detection of various patient-specific gene mutations in a single test.
We offer a combined approach of NGS and MFC for the detection of MRD. By integrating the experimental data from NGS and MFC, we can effectively analyze residual cancer cells following treatment.
Alfa Cytology offers advanced and comprehensive solutions for the detection of minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia. Partner with us to unlock the potential of MRD monitoring in AML management. Contact us to learn more about our services and discuss your specific needs.
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