Table 1.
Comparison of MRD assays in multiple myeloma.
| Next-Generation MFC (≥8-color) | ASO-qPCR | ASO-ddPCR | NGS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applicability (%) | ~100% | ~80% | ~80% | 90%~ |
| Sensitivity | 10−5~10−6 | 10−4~10−6 | 10−6~ | 10−6~ |
| Reproducibility | High | High | Not reported | Not reported |
| Diagnostic sample | Important but not mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| MRD sample | Cells | Cells, DNA | Cells, DNA | Cells, DNA |
| Need for patient’s specific reagent | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| MRD detection at clonal evolution | Possible | Impossible | Impossible | Possible |
| Time | 3–4 h | 2–3 h (follow-up), 3–4 week (target identification) | 2–3 h (follow-up), 3–4 week (target identification) | ≥7 d |
| Standardization | Ongoing (EuroFlow/IMF) | Yes (EuroMRD) | No | No |
| Cost per sample | ~350 USD | ~500 USD (follow-up), ~1500 USD at diagnosis (target identification) | ~500 USD (follow-up), ~1500 USD at diagnosis (target identification) | ~1000 USD |
MFC, multiparameter flow cytometry; ASO-qPCR, allele-specific oligonucleotide-quantitative polymerase chain reaction; NGS, Next-generation sequencing; MRD, minimal residual disease; IMF, International Myeloma Foundation; USD, US dollars.