MRD methods used for BM assessment
| . | NGF . | NGS . |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability | Nearly 100% | ≥90% (limited mainly by somatic hypermutation of the originally identified malignant clone) |
| Baseline sample | Not required | Required; patient-specific probes are not required |
| Quantity of sample required | Up to 10 million for 10−6 sensitivity | 2-3 million for 10−6 sensitivity |
| Sample processing | Needs to be processed within 48 h. MRD testing is frequently “reflexed” in patients with no BM involvement despite residual detectable M protein while awaiting M protein quantification tests. | Can be delayed; can use both fresh and stored samples |
| Sample quality control | Yes (highly reproducible detection of hemodilution in each sample) | No |
| Sensitivity | ≥1 in10−5 | ≥1 in 10−6 (only limited by the number of cells provided by the biopsy) |
| Additional information | Ability to evaluate BM microenvironment and hematologic subpopulations | Information about immunoglobulin gene repertoire of B cells in the studied patient samples |
| Turnaround for results | A few hours with automated software available | Approximately 1 wk |
| Availability | Eight or more color flow cytometry requires more experienced laboratories. Many laboratories have adopted the EuroFlow laboratory protocols and use the EuroFlow MRD tubes. | So far limited to 1 company/platform that has US Food and Drug Administration approval |
| Cost | Approximately US $500/sample | Approximately US $1100 |
| . | NGF . | NGS . |
|---|---|---|
| Applicability | Nearly 100% | ≥90% (limited mainly by somatic hypermutation of the originally identified malignant clone) |
| Baseline sample | Not required | Required; patient-specific probes are not required |
| Quantity of sample required | Up to 10 million for 10−6 sensitivity | 2-3 million for 10−6 sensitivity |
| Sample processing | Needs to be processed within 48 h. MRD testing is frequently “reflexed” in patients with no BM involvement despite residual detectable M protein while awaiting M protein quantification tests. | Can be delayed; can use both fresh and stored samples |
| Sample quality control | Yes (highly reproducible detection of hemodilution in each sample) | No |
| Sensitivity | ≥1 in10−5 | ≥1 in 10−6 (only limited by the number of cells provided by the biopsy) |
| Additional information | Ability to evaluate BM microenvironment and hematologic subpopulations | Information about immunoglobulin gene repertoire of B cells in the studied patient samples |
| Turnaround for results | A few hours with automated software available | Approximately 1 wk |
| Availability | Eight or more color flow cytometry requires more experienced laboratories. Many laboratories have adopted the EuroFlow laboratory protocols and use the EuroFlow MRD tubes. | So far limited to 1 company/platform that has US Food and Drug Administration approval |
| Cost | Approximately US $500/sample | Approximately US $1100 |