Applications

1703 – Detection of measurable residual disease in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Find out about the service or technology in this application and the medical condition it addresses. You can also view the application documents, the deadlines for providing consultation input and the outcome of the application when the MSAC process is complete.

  • Status Complete
  • Type New application
  • Pre-PASC consultation Closed
  • Pre-MSAC consultation Closed
  • Outcome Supported

Application details

Reason for application

New MBS item.

Service or technology in this application

The primary clinical purpose for monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) is to determine the response to treatment and the risk of leukaemia relapse. The three main methodologies used to detect and quantify residual tumour cells not detectable by morphology are multi-parametric flow cytometry of leukaemia-associated immunophenotypes and molecular methods including quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing and next-generation sequencing. MRD results can be used to modify the intensity and duration of chemotherapy, or to use bone marrow transplant in first remission to prevent relapse.

Type: Investigative technology

Medical condition this application addresses

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) can occur at any age, but most cases arise in children younger than six years of age. Typical symptoms include fever, fatigue, bone or joint pain, bleeding, anorexia, abdominal pain, and hepatosplenomegaly. Despite most patients achieving a morphological remission, many will still have persistent MRD, which is the strongest predictor of relapse in ALL.

Consultation survey and deadlines

  • PASC consultation: Closed
  • MSAC consultation: Closed Friday 10 February 2023

Meetings to consider this application

  • PASC meeting: 13–14 April 2022
  • ESC meeting: 9–10 February 2023
  • MSAC meeting: 30–31 March 2023