A patient with ALL underwent chemotherapy. Results from hematologic, cytogenetic, and molecular analyses indicated that the patient entered complete remission. Four years later, on routine follow-up, the peripheral blood results for the patient were in the normal range, and cytogenetic analysis revealed no abnormalities, but molecular analysis showed BCR/ABL1 transcripts that were found in the blasts at diagnosis 4 years ago. This patient can be said to:
A) Be in complete remission
B) Be in molecular and cytogenetic remission
C) Have minimal residual disease
D) Have partial cytogenetic remission

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of BCR/ABL1 transcripts indicates the persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD), despite normal peripheral blood counts and normal cytogenetic analysis. MRD refers to the presence of small amounts of leukemic cells that cannot be detected by conventional methods but can still cause relapse. Therefore, the patient cannot be considered in complete remission or complete cytogenetic remission. The term "partial cytogenetic remission" is not commonly used in ALL, and it is not applicable in this situation.

A Patient with ALL Underwent Chemotherapy