Minimal residual disease detection after myeloablative chemotherapy in chronic lymphatic leukemia

Detection of clonal tumor cells in leukemias and lymphomas by PCR in minima l residual disease (MRD) has been shown to be a valuable parameter for iden tifying patients who may require further treatment. Here we introduce the s tudies underway in our own and other institutions addressing the value of P CR technology in detecting residual CLL cells either in the autologous stem cell product or after induction of MRD in patients after autologous or all ogeneic stem cell transplant. The PCR technology used for these questions a nd the results are discussed.