MRD Debate- MRD in the Clinic: Decision-Making Tool or Premature Metric

Minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment has emerged as one of the most powerful prognostic tools in multiple myeloma, yet its role in routine clinical decision-making remains an area of active debate. This session will critically evaluate the evidence supporting MRD as a surrogate for long-term outcomes and its growing use in clinical trials, regulatory endpoints, and risk stratification. Faculty will review recent data on MRD-guided treatment adaptation, maintenance discontinuation strategies, and the integration of advanced imaging and highly sensitive assays. Key controversies—including assay standardization, sustained MRD negativity, and application in high-risk disease and novel immunotherapies—will be explored. Attendees will gain practical insights into whether MRD is ready to guide everyday treatment decisions or remains primarily a research-driven metric.