Measurable Residual Disease Detection in B‐Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: The Children's Oncology Group (COG) Method

Abstract Measurable (minimal) residual disease (MRD) in B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL), as assessed by flow cytometry, is an established prognostic factor used to adjust treatment in most pediatric therapeutic protocols. MRD in B‐ALL has been standardized by the Children's Oncology Group in North America and more recently in a multicenter Foundation for the National Institutes of Health–funded study. This article outlines the reagents, instrument setup, and analysis protocols required for the reproducible detection of residual leukemic cells in patients following induction therapy for B‐ALL. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1 : Staining and flow cytometry for B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) measurable residual disease detection Support Protocol : Specimen collection, handling, storage, and shipping Basic Protocol 2 : Analysis and interpretation of data for B‐ALL measurable residual disease detection Basic Protocol 3 : Analysis of samples lacking sufficient CD19+ events