A patient with ALL underwent chemotherapy.Results from hematologic, cytogenetic, and molecular analyses indicated that he entered complete remission.Four years later, on his routine follow-up, the peripheral blood results were in the normal range, and cytogenetic analysis revealed no abnormalities, but molecular analysis showed BCR/ABL transcripts that were found in the blasts at diagnosis 4 years ago.This patient can be said to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of BCR/ABL transcripts in the blasts indicates the presence of minimal residual disease (MRD), which is defined as a small number of cancer cells that can be detected by sensitive molecular techniques but not by routine exams. Therefore, the patient is not in complete remission. Cytogenetic analysis showed no abnormalities, indicating a complete cytogenetic remission. However, the presence of MRD means that the patient is not in molecular remission. Therefore, the best choice is C, to reflect the presence of MRD.

A Patient with ALL Underwent Chemotherapy