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Webinar presenter
Wei Song, MD, PhD
Associate Clinical Professor of Pathology, Director, Clinical Genomics and Molecular Pathology, Program Director, Molecular Genetics Pathology Fellowship
Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego School of Medicine
The use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment in myeloid malignancies has grown significantly, particularly for DNA-based mutation detection. However, the role of targeted RNA sequencing in MRD monitoring—beyond its established use in fusion detection at diagnosis remains less clearly defined.
In this 2026 USCAP Seminar, Dr. Wei Song evaluated a rapid, amplicon-based RNA sequencing assay for fusion detection and assessed its analytical sensitivity and clinical utility relative to conventional cytogenetic and molecular methods.
The assay demonstrated high concordance with established methods while also detecting cryptic and low-abundance fusions, including in specimens with low blast burden, limited material available for testing, or negative conventional testing results.
Learning objectives:
- Describe the emerging role of targeted RNA sequencing in MRD assessment and leukemia surveillance
- Evaluate the analytical performance of RNA-based NGS assays compared to standard methods such as RT-qPCR and cytogenetics
- Understand how sensitive and quantitative fusion transcript detection can support earlier identification of molecular relapses and improve clinical decision-making
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PMR-004702