Minimal residual disease monitoring in B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia using flow cytometry. Guidelines of the Russian-Belarusian multicenter group for pediatric acute leukemia studies

Abstract

Multicolor flow cytometry is now routinely used in laboratory practice for minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). This article describes the methodology of MRD detection in BCP-ALL using flow cytometry as recommended by the Russian-Belarusian multicenter group for pediatric acute leukemia studies. This wellharmonized approach includes recommendations for the choice of monoclonal antibodies, sample preparation, cytometer setup, flow cytometry data analysis and interpretation as well as for reporting. These guidelines allow application of multicolor flow cytometry for MRD monitoring in BCP-ALL in children and adults both in local laboratories and in multicenter settings in prospective clinical trials.