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Medical glossary

MRD: minimal residual disease

MRD is a small number of leukaemia cells left in remission that cannot be seen with an ordinary microscope. It is measured with very sensitive tests.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A microscope field full of red blood cells with only a few rare white cells
Figure 1.MRD tests look for rare leukaemia cells among many normal ones

01Short answer

MRD is measured with flow cytometry, PCR or next-generation sequencing, which can find one leukaemia cell among tens of thousands or more normal cells. An MRD-negative result is usually linked to a better outlook; an MRD-positive result may lead to changing or intensifying treatment. Only your doctor interprets the result in context.

02Simple explanation

A hidden remainder.

A very sensitive test.

Negative is usually good.

It shapes decisions.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: MRD is a small number of cancer cells left in the body after treatment.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

How it is measured

Flow cytometry, PCR and sequencing.

A sensitive scale
Figure 2.A sensitive scale — MRD: minimal residual disease

When

At set points during treatment.

A staircase
Figure 3.A staircase — MRD: minimal residual disease

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
How it is measuredFlow cytometry, PCR and sequencing.
WhenAt set points during treatment.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

MRD-negative
The test found no remainder.
Sensitivity
The smallest amount a test can detect.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Does MRD-negative mean cure?

No, but it is a good sign.

What does MRD-positive mean?

Your doctor will explain the next steps.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does MRD-negative mean cure?

  2. What does MRD-positive mean?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: minimal residual disease
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: polymerase chain reaction
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: fluorescence in situ hybridization
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: peripherally inserted central catheter
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: stem cell transplant
  8. American Cancer Society. Low Blood Counts
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: biopsy
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: chromosome
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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