Prospective analysis of minimal residual disease status as predictor of outcome in patients with previously untreated follicular lymphoma
Prof. Christiane Pott
Prospective analysis of patients in the multinational phase 3 GALLIUM trial investigated the prognostic value of MRD status among patients receiving rituximab plus chemotherapy or obinutuzumab plus chemotherapy followed by rituximab or obinutuzumab maintenance for newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma. At mid-induction, as well as end of induction and during maintenance and follow-up, MRD positivity versus MRD negativity was associated with inferior progression-free survival. MRD responses were higher with obinutuzumab than with rituximab. The authors conclude that MRD status can determine outcome after induction and during maintenance, and MRD negativity is a prerequisite for long-term disease control in follicular lymphoma.
