Albert Schweitzer Hospital

Digital PCR Outperforms Standard RT-qPCR in Detecting Residual BCR::ABL1 in CML Patients, Enabling Better TKI Discontinuation Decisions

- Digital PCR demonstrated 97% sensitivity at the MR5.0 level, reliably detecting one BCR::ABL1 transcript in a background of at least 100,000 regular copies. - The technique detected and quantified BCR::ABL1 in 68% of samples that fell below the limit of detection of standard RT-qPCR. - Digital PCR can identify transcript types (e13a2 vs. e14a2), a known risk factor for molecular relapse after TKI discontinuation. - The study used an FDA-approved commercially available assay, making widespread clinical implementation feasible for guiding treatment-free remission decisions.