Real-time polymerase chain reaction of immunoglobulin rearrangements for quantitative evaluation of minimal residual disease in myeloma

Methods Mol Med. 2005:113:145-63. doi: 10.1385/1-59259-916-8:145.

Abstract

The evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) is critical in the evaluation of treatments aimed at maximal cytoreduction in multiple myeloma (MM). Qualitative evaluation of MRD now has a 10-yr-long history, but it remains a relatively sophisticated procedure. More recently, real-time quantitative approaches have also been developed. These approaches allow a very effective monitoring of disease but introduce additional complexity and costs to the procedure. This chapter describes how we currently perform real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in MM. Compared to the first description of the assay in June 2000, significant improvements have been made. Although real-time PCR is the main focus of the chapter, most of the information suitable for a proper setup of a qualitative approach is also provided.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Base Sequence
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Neoplasm / chemistry
  • DNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Gene Rearrangement*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / genetics*
  • Karyotyping / methods
  • Multiple Myeloma / diagnosis
  • Multiple Myeloma / genetics
  • Multiple Myeloma / immunology*
  • Multiple Myeloma / pathology
  • Neoplasm, Residual / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasm, Residual / genetics
  • Neoplasm, Residual / immunology
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • Immunoglobulins