Which parameter is important for determining minimal residual disease (MRD) in leukemia?

To effectively determine minimal residual disease (MRD) in leukemia, sensitivity is a critical parameter. Sensitivity refers to a test's ability to correctly identify those who have the disease, which is particularly crucial in the context of MRD detection. In leukemia, even a small number of remaining cancerous cells can lead to relapse; therefore, a highly sensitive method must be utilized to detect these low levels of disease.

When assessing MRD, the goal is to identify very low quantities of leukemic cells that remain after treatment but may not be detected by standard diagnostic methods. High sensitivity ensures that these remaining leukemic cells can be detected reliably, allowing for timely interventions and monitoring of the patient's disease status.

In contexts like MRD detection, insufficient sensitivity could lead to false negatives, meaning the presence of disease would go undetected, potentially jeopardizing patient outcomes. Thus, employing methods with high sensitivity is paramount for effective monitoring and management of leukemia patients.