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New Bone Marrow Test Doubles Survival for Some AML Patients, Study Confirms

A UK-led phase 3 trial demonstrates that molecular monitoring detects relapse earlier, enabling timely treatment and significantly improving outcomes.

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In a ten-minute procedure an anaesthetised patient has a needle inserted into their hip to take a sample of bone marrow for testing

Overview

  • The molecular bone marrow test identifies minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients up to three months before traditional blood tests detect relapse.
  • A trial involving 637 patients in remission showed that quarterly bone marrow monitoring doubled long-term survival rates for those with NPM1 and FLT3 mutations.
  • The 10-minute procedure, performed under local anesthesia, allows for early treatment intervention while patients remain well, reducing emergency hospitalizations.
  • Results published in The Lancet Haematology have prompted the NHS to begin integrating the test into routine AML care across the UK, with researchers exploring global adoption.
  • The test exemplifies advancements in precision medicine, with potential applications in other cancers and broader implications for early disease detection.