By Emma A John
What is MRD?
MRD is an abbreviation for Minimal Residual Disease that is common in patients suffering from leukemia in particular. A few decades ago, patients who were given cohesive leukemia treatments succumbed to relapses later in their lives due to the undetected cancerous cells in their bodies. Despite the fact that their bodies responded well to the treatment, the disease would attack again. Even those patients who would go into remission were affected by MRD. To identify normal development of the cells, the healthcare professionals studied bone marrow cells under microscopes.
Since the technology was not very advanced, sometimes it became very difficult to distinguish the immature white cells from the leukemic ones which led to incorrect diagnosis and as a result the patients relapsed. However, later on it was discovered that the remaining leukemic cells came from the original cancerous cells that were responsible for causing the disease in the body. Even though the number of these cells is very low, they still have the potential of destroying the bodies of the patients and can prove to be fatal.
How are the MRD tests beneficial?
Once the cancerous cells are detected in the body, it is easy to destroy them and cleanse the body of the harmful cells. The MRD or the minimal residual tests have enabled the treatment of the body for cancerous cells in an effective manner. These tests have also been very helpful in the detection of very early tumors in patients. Using these tests, medical professionals can also design personalized treatments for their patients and evaluate and compare the results on a regular basis.
Where are the MRD tests conducted?
Minimal residual tests are not conducted in the same manner as normal tests. In fact, they are not even offered by all the medical facilities and clinics. These are special tests that require professional skills and handling and are offered at special leukemia centers. Patients are required to provide the healthcare professionals conducting these tests with their tissue samples. More information about the centers that offer these minimal residual tests can be obtained from the medical facilities that offer leukemia treatments.
MRD is common in the patients who are suffering from leukemia. If you want to learn more about Minimal Residual Disease please visithttp://www.minimalresidualdisease.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Emma_A_John
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