How I monitor residual disease in chronic myeloid leukemia

Abstract

Molecular monitoring in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a powerful tool to document treatment responses and predict relapse. Nonetheless, the proliferation of clinical trials and “guidelines” using the molecular endpoints of CML has outpaced practice norms, commercial laboratory application, and reimbursement practices, leaving some anxiety (if not confusion and despair) about molecular monitoring in the day-to-day treatment of CML. This article will try to address these issues by describing how I monitor CML, which, in summary, is with interest and without panic.