Israeli researchers have developed a highly sensitive molecular method that may help detect minimal traces of acute myeloid leukemia in children and identify the risk of disease recurrence earlier than some currently available tests.
The technology was developed by researchers at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in collaboration with physicians and scientists from Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel. The study findings were published in the scientific journal HemaSphere.
A Unique Genetic Fingerprint of the Tumor
Acute myeloid leukemia, or AML, is a malignant disease affecting the blood-forming system. Even after successful treatment, a very small number of cancer cells may remain in the patient’s body. This condition is known as minimal residual disease or, more recently, measurable residual disease (MRD).
Detecting these remaining cells is extremely important. Their presence may indicate an increased risk of relapse and influence decisions regarding further treatment. However, standard diagnostic methods are not always sensitive enough to identify very small traces of the disease.
The new approach searches for a unique combination of genetic alterations found in the leukemia cells of each individual patient. Researchers compare this combination to a personalized “molecular barcode” that can be used to track cancer cells at different stages of the disease.
A Method That May Be Suitable for More Patients
The new technology is called DAISY-MRD. First, whole-genome sequencing is used to identify the individual genetic markers of a child’s leukemia. These markers can then be monitored to detect measurable residual disease.
Unlike some existing tests, the new method does not depend on the presence of a single, previously identified mutation. The researchers found that the selected genetic markers were present throughout the population of leukemia cells and remained detectable from the time of diagnosis through a possible relapse.
This could potentially make the technology applicable to a broader group of children with acute myeloid leukemia, including patients whose tumors do not carry genetic abnormalities covered by conventional targeted tests.
Why Is Early Detection of Relapse So Important?
The earlier physicians identify signs that the disease may be returning, the sooner they can carry out additional examinations and consider adjusting the treatment strategy.
In the future, the new test may help physicians:
- evaluate the patient’s response to treatment more accurately;
- detect very low levels of measurable residual disease;
- identify patients at increased risk of relapse at an earlier stage;
- adjust treatment according to the child’s individual risk profile;
- avoid unnecessary treatment intensity in children with a low risk of recurrence.
More precise risk assessment is especially important in pediatric oncology. Treatment must be intensive enough to control the disease while minimizing avoidable toxicity and long-term complications whenever medically possible.
The Technology Is Still Under Investigation
DAISY-MRD remains an investigational technology and is not yet a routine clinical test.
Further studies involving larger groups of patients are required to confirm its accuracy, clinical value and ability to improve treatment outcomes. The method will also need to undergo appropriate validation before it can be introduced into standard clinical practice.
Parents should therefore not interpret the study as evidence that the test is already generally available or suitable for every child. Decisions concerning MRD testing and leukemia treatment must be made by a pediatric oncologist or hematologist who is familiar with the child’s diagnosis and medical history.
A Step Forward in Personalized Pediatric Oncology
Israel continues to play a leading role in pediatric oncohematology, genetic diagnostics and personalized cancer treatment.
The development by the Technion and Schneider Children’s Medical Center may represent another important step toward earlier and more accurate detection of childhood leukemia relapse.
By identifying a leukemia-specific molecular signature for each patient, this approach may eventually allow physicians to monitor the disease with greater precision and adapt treatment to the individual biological characteristics of the child’s cancer.
Consultation with Leading Israeli Pediatric Oncologists and Hematologists
When a child is diagnosed with leukemia—or when there is concern about residual disease or relapse—an expert review of the diagnosis and treatment strategy may be particularly important.
Through Sapir Medical Clinic, families can obtain access to consultations with leading Israeli pediatric oncologists and hematologists and arrange diagnostics and treatment at major Israeli medical centers.
Depending on the child’s medical situation, Sapir Medical Clinic can assist in organizing:
- consultation with a leading Israeli pediatric oncologist or hematologist;
- a second medical opinion based on the child’s medical records;
- review of bone marrow, biopsy and laboratory findings;
- expert review of the original diagnosis;
- molecular and genetic testing when clinically indicated;
- assessment of measurable residual disease using currently available validated methods;
- development or review of an individualized treatment program;
- evaluation of indications for chemotherapy, targeted therapy or stem cell transplantation;
- assessment of eligibility for relevant clinical trials;
- remote consultation before travelling to Israel;
- diagnostics and treatment at leading Israeli pediatric medical centers.
Israeli specialists evaluate each case individually, taking into account the exact type and molecular characteristics of the leukemia, the child’s response to previous treatment, MRD findings, general health and other clinically relevant factors.
Sapir Medical Clinic supports families throughout the process—from collecting and translating medical records to arranging consultations, additional testing and treatment in Israel.
For a preliminary assessment, parents may submit:
- medical reports and hospital discharge summaries;
- bone marrow examination results;
- pathology and cytogenetic reports;
- flow cytometry findings;
- molecular and genetic testing results;
- previous MRD test results;
- details of chemotherapy or other treatments;
- recent blood test results;
- imaging reports, if applicable.
Contact Sapir Medical Clinic
If your child requires a consultation with an Israeli pediatric oncologist or hematologist, a diagnostic review, a second medical opinion or treatment in Israel, Sapir Medical Clinic can help arrange care with leading Israeli specialists.
To request a preliminary assessment, contact:
Important: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified physician. DAISY-MRD is an investigational method and has not yet been introduced as a standard diagnostic test. The appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategy must be determined individually by the child’s treating pediatric oncologist or hematologist.
Source: Research conducted by specialists from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, published in HemaSphere.