For the last 50 years, myeloma studies have relied on myeloma progression measurements like complete response (CR) or progression free survival (PFS) to tell whether new treatmets are working (or not). Myeloma patients are now living longer because of new treatment advances, which is a huge blessing. But it is also a challenge for research. If the average patient is living 8-10 years, how can studies be performed and show results in the 2-3 year range so that the new drugs can be approved quickly?  Minimal residual disease testing can detect very low levels of disease and being MRD-negative is linked to patients living longer. Researchers would like to use MRD testing as a study measurement. Learn about the different types of MRD tests, how to have one done and why researchers want to use this test as an end-point in studies.  Dr. Ola Landgren of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is a pioneer in the MRD space and joins us for this important show. Thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology