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Russo D, Malagola M, Polverelli N, Farina M, Re F, Bernardi S. Twenty years of evolution of CML therapy: how the treatment goal is moving from disease to patient. Ther Adv Hematol 2023; 14:20406207231216077. [PMID: 38145059 PMCID: PMC10748527 DOI: 10.1177/20406207231216077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The introduction of imatinib in 2000 opened the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for CML therapy and has revolutionized the life expectancy of CML patients, which is now quite like the one of the healthy aged population. Over the last 20 years, both the TKI therapy itself and the objectives have undergone evolutions highlighted and discussed in this review. The main objective of the CML therapy in the first 10 years after TKI introduction was to abolish the disease progression from the chronic to the blastic phase and guarantee the long-term survival of the great majority of patients. In the second 10 years (from 2010 to the present), the main objective of CML therapy moved from survival, considered achieved as a goal, to treatment-free remission (TFR). Two phenomena emerged: no more than 50-60% of CML patients could be candidates for discontinuation and over 50% of them molecularly relapse. The increased cumulative incidence of specific TKI off-target side effects was such relevant to compel to discontinue or reduce the TKI administration in a significant proportion of patients and to avoid a specific TKI in particular settings of patients. Therefore, the treatment strategy must be adapted to each category of patients. What about the patients who do not get or fail the TFR? Should they be compelled to continue the TKIs at the maximum tolerated dose? Alternative strategies based on the principle of minimal effective dose have been tested with success and they are now re-evaluated with more attention, since they guarantee survival and probably a better quality of life, too. Moving from treating the disease to treating the patient is an important change of paradigm. We can say that we are entering a personalized CML therapy, which considers the patients' age, their comorbidities, tolerability, and specific objectives. In this scenario, the new techniques supporting the monitoring of the patients, such as the digital PCR, must be considered. In the present review, we present in deep this evolution and comment on the future perspectives of CML therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Russo
- Unit of Blood Diseases and Cell Therapies, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST-Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Michele Malagola
- Unit of Blood Diseases and Cell Therapies, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST-Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicola Polverelli
- Unit of Blood Diseases and Cell Therapies, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST-Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mirko Farina
- Unit of Blood Diseases and Cell Therapies, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST-Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Re
- Unit of Blood Diseases and Cell Therapies, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST-Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-oncologico AIL (CREA), ASST-Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simona Bernardi
- Unit of Blood Diseases and Cell Therapies, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST-Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-oncologico AIL (CREA), ASST-Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Gao HL, Hao Y, Chen WM, Li LD, Wang X, Qin YZ, Jiang Q. [Comparison of BCR::ABL (P210) mRNA levels detected by dPCR and qPCR methods in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2023; 44:906-910. [PMID: 38185519 PMCID: PMC10753264 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Objective: To compare digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) measurements of BCR::ABL (P210) mRNA expression in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . Methods: In this non-interventional, cross-sectional study, BCR::ABL (P210) mRNA was simultaneously measured by dPCR and qPCR in peripheral blood samples collected from patients with CML who underwent tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy and who achieved at least a complete cytogenetic response from September 2021 to February 2023 at Peking University People's Hospital. The difference, correlation, and agreement between the two methods were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman's correlation, and Bland-Altman analysis, respectively. Results: In total, 459 data pairs for BCR::ABL mRNA expression measured by dPCR and qPCR from 356 patients with CML were analyzed. There was a significant difference in BCR::ABL mRNA expression between the two methods (P<0.001). When analyzed by the depth of the molecular response (MR), a significant difference only existed for patients with ≥MR4.5 (P<0.001). No significant difference was observed for those who did not achieve a major MR (no MMR; P=0.922) or for those who achieved a major MR (MMR; P=0.723) or MR4 (P=0.099). There was a moderate correlation between the BCR::ABL mRNA expression between the two methods (r=0.761, P<0.001). However, the correlation gradually weakened or disappeared as the depth of the MR increased (no MMR: r=0.929, P<0.001; MMR: r=0.815, P<0.001; MR4: r=0.408, P<0.001; MR4.5: r=0.176, P=0.176). In addition, the agreement in BCR::ABL mRNA expression between the two methods in those with MR4.5 was weaker than other groups (no MMR: ▉= 0.042, P=0.846; MMR:▉=0.054, P=0.229; MR4:▉=-0.020, P=0.399; MR4.5:▉=-0.219, P<0.001) . Conclusions: dPCR is more accurate than qPCR for measuring BCR::ABL (P210) mRNA expression in patients with CML who achieve a stable deep MR.
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Affiliation(s)
- H L Gao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Y Hao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing 100044, China
| | - W M Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing 100044, China
| | - L D Li
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing 100044, China
| | - X Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Y Z Qin
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Q Jiang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing 100044, China
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Cross NCP, Ernst T, Branford S, Cayuela JM, Deininger M, Fabarius A, Kim DDH, Machova Polakova K, Radich JP, Hehlmann R, Hochhaus A, Apperley JF, Soverini S. European LeukemiaNet laboratory recommendations for the diagnosis and management of chronic myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2023; 37:2150-2167. [PMID: 37794101 PMCID: PMC10624636 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02048-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
From the laboratory perspective, effective management of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) requires accurate diagnosis, assessment of prognostic markers, sequential assessment of levels of residual disease and investigation of possible reasons for resistance, relapse or progression. Our scientific and clinical knowledge underpinning these requirements continues to evolve, as do laboratory methods and technologies. The European LeukemiaNet convened an expert panel to critically consider the current status of genetic laboratory approaches to help diagnose and manage CML patients. Our recommendations focus on current best practice and highlight the strengths and pitfalls of commonly used laboratory tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Ernst
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Susan Branford
- Centre for Cancer Biology and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jean-Michel Cayuela
- Laboratory of Hematology, University Hospital Saint-Louis, AP-HP and EA3518, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Alice Fabarius
- III. Medizinische Klinik, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dennis Dong Hwan Kim
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Rüdiger Hehlmann
- III. Medizinische Klinik, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- ELN Foundation, Weinheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Hochhaus
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Jane F Apperley
- Centre for Haematology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Simona Soverini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Hematology "Lorenzo e Ariosto Seràgnoli", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Bou Zerdan M, Kassab J, Saba L, Haroun E, Bou Zerdan M, Allam S, Nasr L, Macaron W, Mammadli M, Abou Moussa S, Chaulagain CP. Liquid biopsies and minimal residual disease in lymphoid malignancies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1173701. [PMID: 37228488 PMCID: PMC10203459 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1173701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment using peripheral blood instead of bone marrow aspirate/biopsy specimen or the biopsy of the cancerous infiltrated by lymphoid malignancies is an emerging technique with enormous interest of research and technological innovation at the current time. In some lymphoid malignancies (particularly ALL), Studies have shown that MRD monitoring of the peripheral blood may be an adequate alternative to frequent BM aspirations. However, additional studies investigating the biology of liquid biopsies in ALL and its potential as an MRD marker in larger patient cohorts in treatment protocols are warranted. Despite the promising data, there are still limitations in liquid biopsies in lymphoid malignancies, such as standardization of the sample collection and processing, determination of timing and duration for liquid biopsy analysis, and definition of the biological characteristics and specificity of the techniques evaluated such as flow cytometry, molecular techniques, and next generation sequencies. The use of liquid biopsy for detection of minimal residual disease in T-cell lymphoma is still experimental but it has made significant progress in multiple myeloma for example. Recent attempt to use artificial intelligence may help simplify the algorithm for testing and may help avoid inter-observer variation and operator dependency in these highly technically demanding testing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Bou Zerdan
- Department of Internal Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Joseph Kassab
- Cleveland Clinic, Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Ludovic Saba
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Myeloma and Amyloidosis Program, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, United States
| | - Elio Haroun
- Department of Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Sabine Allam
- Department of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Balamand, Lebanon
| | - Lewis Nasr
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas, TX, United States
| | - Walid Macaron
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas, TX, United States
| | - Mahinbanu Mammadli
- Department of Internal Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | | | - Chakra P. Chaulagain
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Myeloma and Amyloidosis Program, Maroone Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, United States
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Digital PCR as a New Method for Minimal Residual Disease Monitoring and Treatment Free Remission Management in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients: Is It Reliable? HEMATO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/hemato4010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The effective and sensitive monitoring of Minimal Residual Disease or Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) is a very important aspect in the management of patients affected by hematologic malignancies. The recent availability of new technologies has opened to the improvement of MRD monitoring. It is particularly relevant in patients affected by Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). MRD monitoring is key in the management of CML patients thanks to the efficacy of TKIs therapy. Moreover, the policies of TKIs discontinuation aimed at treatment free remission are strongly based on the good selection of patients eligible for stopping TKIs therapy. The recently described application of digital PCR in CML patients monitoring seems to improve the accuracy and precision in the identification of optimal responders. The present review reports an overview on the application of digital PCR in the monitoring of MRD in CML and its impact on TKIs discontinuation trials and, consequently, on TFR success.
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Revealing the Mysteries of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: From Quantitative PCR through Next-Generation Sequencing and Systemic Metabolomic Profiling. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030483. [PMID: 35159934 PMCID: PMC8836582 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The efforts made in the last decade regarding the molecular landscape of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have created the possibility of obtaining patients’ personalized treatment. Indeed, the improvement of accurate diagnosis and precise assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD) increased the number of new markers suitable for novel and targeted therapies. This progress was obtained thanks to the development of molecular techniques starting with real-time quantitative PCR (Rt-qPCR) passing through digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) up to the new attractive metabolomic approach. The objective of this surge in technological advances is a better delineation of AML clonal heterogeneity, monitoring patients without disease-specific mutation and designing customized post-remission strategies based on MRD assessment. In this context, metabolomics, which pertains to overall small molecules profiling, emerged as relevant access for risk stratification and targeted therapies improvement. In this review, we performed a detailed overview of the most popular modern methods used in hematological laboratories, pointing out their vital importance for MRD monitoring in order to improve overall survival, early detection of possible relapses and treatment efficacy.
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Droplet Digital PCR for BCR-ABL1 Monitoring in Diagnostic Routine: Ready to Start? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215470. [PMID: 34771634 PMCID: PMC8582412 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The introduction to clinical practice of a treatment-free remission approach in chronic myeloid leukemia patients with a stable deep molecular response highlighted how crucial it is to monitor the molecular levels of BCR–ABL1 as accurately and precisely as possible. In this context, the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) presents an alternative methodology for such quantification. To hypothesize the introduction of this technology in routine practice, we performed a multicentric study that compares ddPCR with the standard methodology currently used. Our results demonstrate that the use of ddPCR in clinical practice is feasible and could be beneficial. Abstract BCR–ABL1 mRNA levels represent the key molecular marker for the evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is currently the standard method to monitor it. In the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) discontinuation, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has emerged to provide a more precise detection of MRD. To hypothesize the use of ddPCR in clinical practice, we designed a multicentric study to evaluate the potential value of ddPCR in the diagnostic routine. Thirty-seven RNA samples from CML patients and five from healthy donors were analyzed using both ddPCR QXDxTMBCR-ABL %IS Kit and LabNet-approved RT-qPCR methodologies in three different Italian laboratories. Our results show that ddPCR has a good agreement with RT-qPCR, but it is more precise to quantify BCR–ABL1 transcript levels. Furthermore, we did not find differences between duplicate or quadruplicate analysis in terms of BCR–ABL1% IS values. Droplet digital PCR could be confidently introduced into the diagnostic routine as a complement to the RT-qPCR.
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Branford S. Why is it critical to achieve a deep molecular response in chronic myeloid leukemia? Haematologica 2020; 105:2730-2737. [PMID: 33054104 PMCID: PMC7716360 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.240739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary goal of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia is survival, which is achieved by the vast majority of patients. The initial response to therapy provides a sensitive measure of future clinical outcome. Measurement of BCR-ABL1 transcript levels using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction standardized to the international reporting scale is now the principal recommended monitoring strategy. The method is used to assess early milestone responses and provides a guide for therapeutic intervention. When patients successfully traverse the critical first 12 months of TKI therapy, most will head towards another milestone response, deep molecular response (DMR, BCR-ABL1 ≤0.01%). DMR is essential for patients aiming to achieve treatment-free remission and a prerequisite for a trial of TKI discontinuation. The success of discontinuation trials has led to new treatment strategies in order for more patients to reach this milestone response. DMR has been incorporated into endpoints of clinical trials and is considered by some expert groups as the optimal treatment response. But is DMR a stable response and does it provide the ultimate protection against TKI resistance and death? Do we need to increase the sensitivity of detection of BCR-ABL1 to better identify the patients who would likely remain in treatment-free remission after TKI discontinuation? Is it necessary to switch current TKI therapy to a more potent inhibitor if the goal is to achieve DMR? These are issues that I will explore in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Branford
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Pathology, Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology; School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia; School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide.
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Kockerols CC, Valk PJ, Levin MD, Pallisgaard N, Cornelissen JJ, Westerweel PE. Digital PCR for BCR-ABL1 Quantification in CML: Current Applications in Clinical Practice. Hemasphere 2020; 4:e496. [PMID: 33283168 PMCID: PMC7710259 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular monitoring of the BCR-ABL1 transcript for patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has become increasingly demanding. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is the routinely used method, but has limitations in quantification accuracy due to its inherent technical variation. Treatment recommendations rely on specific BCR-ABL1 values set at timed response milestones, making precise measurement of BCR-ABL1 a requisite. Furthermore, the sensitivity of qPCR may be insufficient to reliably quantify low levels of residual BCR-ABL1 in patients in deep molecular response (DMR) who could qualify for an attempt to discontinue Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) therapy. We reviewed the current use of digital PCR (dPCR) as a promising alternative for response monitoring in CML. dPCR offers an absolute BCR-ABL1 quantification at various disease levels with remarkable precision and a clinical sensitivity reaching down to at least MR5.0. Moreover, dPCR has been validated in multiple studies as prognostic marker for successful TKI treatment discontinuation, while this could not be achieved using classical qPCR. dPCR may thus prospectively be the preferred method to reliably identify patients achieving treatment milestones after initiation of TKI therapy as well as for the selection and timing for TKI discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter J.M. Valk
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark-David Levin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jan J. Cornelissen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter E. Westerweel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
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Soverini S, Bernardi S, Galimberti S. Molecular Testing in CML between Old and New Methods: Are We at a Turning Point? J Clin Med 2020; 9:E3865. [PMID: 33261150 PMCID: PMC7760306 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) and BCR-ABL1 kinase domain (KD) mutation testing have a well consolidated role in the routine management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, as they provide precious information for therapeutic decision-making. Molecular response levels are used to define whether a patient has an "optimal", "warning", or "failure" response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Mutation status may be useful to decide whether TKI therapy should be changed and which alternative TKI (or TKIs) are most likely to be effective. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-qPCR) and Sanger sequencing are currently the gold standard for molecular response monitoring and mutation testing, respectively. However, in recent years, novel technologies such as digital PCR (dPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) have been evaluated. Here, we critically describe the main features of these old and novel technologies, provide an overview of the recently published studies assessing the potential clinical value of dPCR and NGS, and discuss how the state of the art might evolve in the next years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Soverini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Hematology/Oncology “Lorenzo e Ariosto Seràgnoli”, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Simona Bernardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica AIL (CREA), ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Galimberti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Hematology Unit, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
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Digital droplet PCR as a predictive tool for successful discontinuation outcome in chronic myeloid leukemia: Is it time to introduce it in the clinical practice? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 157:103163. [PMID: 33246263 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have drastically changed the outcome of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. A sustained and deep molecular response achieved over time paves the way to therapy discontinuation, and is a pre-requisite to attempt treatment-free remission. Monitoring of the molecular response during treatment discontinuation is routinely carried out by RQ-PCR, but it may not be the optimal tool to monitor minimal residual disease at the time of stopping treatment and during treatment discontinuation. Different digital PCR platforms (such as droplet dPCR) are available, a method based on water-emulsion droplet technology in which the sample is partitioned into 20,000 droplets and PCR amplification of the template subsequently occurs in each individual droplet. The consequent high sensitivity and precision with a very reliable quantification without the need of a calibration curve and the exquisite reproducibility makes this procedure as an ideal alternative method for the detection of very low levels of disease. Aim of this review is to describe and discuss the recent use of dPCR/ddPCR in CML, focusing in particular on its role in TKI treatment discontinuation strategies.
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