Hematopathology Expert Series
Measurable/Minimal Residual Disease Testing in Acute Leukemias

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is driven by diverse genetic mutations such as NPM1, FLT3-ITD, and fusion transcripts, which serve as key markers for measurable/minimal residual disease (MRD). Molecular methods such as next generation sequencing (NGS), alongside flow cytometry, enable sensitive detection of residual disease and provide insights into clonal and phenotypic evolution. MRD status is a strong prognostic indicator, guiding treatment decisions and predicting relapse risk. Emerging technologies continue to increase MRD detection sensitivity, and MRD is recognized as a surrogate endpoint in clinical trials and integrated into routine clinical practice.

Lecture Presenters
Jeffrey R. Jacobsen, MD
Jeffrey R. Jacobsen, MD
Associate Professor (Clinical), University of Utah School of Medicine
Medical Director, Hematopathology, ARUP Laboratories

Dr. Jeffrey Jacobsen is a medical director of hematopathology at ARUP Laboratories, and an associate professor (clinical) at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Jacobsen graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine with his medical degree. He completed a residency in anatomic and clinical pathology as well as a fellowship in hematopathology at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Jacobsen is certified by the American Board of Pathology in hematopathology and anatomic and clinical pathology. He specializes in hematologic flow cytometry and pediatric hematopathology. His research interests include clinical flow cytometry and the role of immune composition in leukemia therapy.

Peng Li, MD, PhD
Peng Li, MD, PhD
Associate Professor (Clinical), University of Utah School of Medicine
Medical Director, Hematopathology, ARUP Laboratories

Dr. Peng Li is a medical director of hematopathology at ARUP Laboratories and an associate professor (clinical) at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Li received her doctorate degree in molecular pharmacology and structural biology from Thomas Jefferson University and her medical degree from Peking University Health Science Center. She then completed an anatomic and clinical pathology residency at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Following residency, Dr. Li completed a hematopathology fellowship at Stanford University and a molecular genetic pathology fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Li is board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology, molecular genetic pathology, and hematopathology. Her research interests include genetic aspects of myeloid and lymphoid malignancies and myeloid neoplasms with germline predisposition.

Host

Madhu P. Menon, MD, PhD, FCAP, FASCP
Madhu P. Menon, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, University of Utah School of Medicine
Head of Clinical Operations for Hematopathology, ARUP Laboratories

Panelist

Paul J. Shami, MD
Paul J. Shami, MD
Professor of Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine
Clinical Investigator, Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI)

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

Explain molecular and flow cytometric MRD markers in AML
Discuss MRD methods and flow cytometric panels
Describe clinical significance of AML MRD testing
Review future developments in AML MRD testing