MRD-negative Status Linked With Better Survival in Multiple Myeloma

Minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative status among patients with newly-diagnosed multiple myeloma after treatment may be associated with long-term survival, according to a study published in JAMA Oncology.¹

Researchers led by Nikhil Munshi, MD, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA, evaluated 21 studies through Medline, which provided data on the impact of MRD status on progression-free and overall survival.

Information on patient characteristics, treatment, MRD assessment, and outcomes, were gathered. Data were adjusted to allow for different proportions of patients with MRD across the studies.

There were 12 studies with data on impact of MRD on overall survival, and 14 for progression-free survival. MRD-negative status was associated with better progression-free survival, particularly in studies of patients who had achieved conventional complete response.

Overall survival was favorable among MRD-negative patients, as well as among patients with complete response.

Reference

1. Munshi NC, Avet-Loiseau H, Rawstron AC, et al. Association of minimal residual disease with superior survival outcomes in patients with multiple myeloma: a meta-analysis. JAMA Oncol. 2016 Sep 15. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2016.3160 [Epub ahead of print]