Importance of minimal residual disease in hairy cell leukemia: Monoclonal antibodies as a therapeutic strategy

With the use of nucleoside analogs as frontline therapy, the prognosis of hairy cell leukemia HCL has improved dramatically. Unfortunately, disease recurrence remains problematic. Eradication of minimal residual disease MRD persisting after therapy may further improve outcome. The evolution of available techniques used to assess MRD, and the potential incorporation of novel agents such as monoclonal antibodies MoAbs into the treatment armamentarium for HCL mandate that MRD analyses be performed concurrently with routine assessments of disease status. Herein, the available data regarding the prevalence and clinical relevance of MRD after therapy for HCL is reviewed.