Dr. Wierda on Future Research Directions With MRD in CLL

William G. Wierda, MD, PhD, professor, D.B. Lane Cancer Research Distinguished Professor, section chief, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, center medical director, Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, executive medical director, Inpatient Medical Services, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses future research directions with minimal residual disease (MRD) testing in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Strategies and clinical trials utilizing MRD status and testing are needed to help direct treatment for patients with CLL, according to Wierda. MRD testing could help to guide treatment duration, as well as determine whether switching therapy is necessary if an MRD undetectable status is not achieved, Wierda adds. Looking forward, in addition to directing therapy, MRD status might be utilized as a tool to develop curative therapies for this patient population, Wierda concludes.