How I monitor residual disease in chronic myeloid leukemia

Molecular monitoring in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a powerful tool to document treatment responses and predict relapse. Nonetheless, the proliferation of clinical trials and "guidelines" using the molecular endpoints of CML has out-paced practice norms, commercial laboratory application, and reimbursement practices, leaving some anxiety (if not confusion and despair) about molecular monitoring in the day-to-day treatment of CML. This article will try to address these issues by describing how I monitor CML, which, in summary, is with interest and without panic. (Blood. 2009;114:3376-3381)