Multiple Myeloma: Nuances of Minimal Residual Disease Diagnosis and Monitoring with the Use of Multicolor Flow Cytometry

The assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD) by multicolor flow cytometry (MFC) is a rapidly growing area of laboratory studies. In recent years, it has become particularly valuable for hematologists. Although the MFC analysis of plasma cells in multiple myeloma patients is sufficiently standardized, there are differences in methods of sample preparation, monoclonal antibody combinations being used as well as in cytometric data evaluation. The present paper summarizes the key international and domestic data on the MFC analysis of plasma cells and documents the authors’ own experience with MFC analysis in multiple myeloma over the last few years.