Impact of standardized immunophenotyping and MRD monitoring on early mortality reduction in childhood leukemia: A step towards addressing healthcare disparities in vulnerable populations from Southern Mexico

Researchers looked at the positive impact of standardized immunophenotyping and measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring on reducing early mortality in children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in Southern Mexico, a region facing significant healthcare disparities. They found that implementing standardized immunophenotyping and MRD monitoring significantly reduced early mortality (10.3% vs. 24.6%) and improved one-year survival (89.6% vs. 75.2%). These findings demonstrate the clinical value and feasibility of such centralized diagnostic platforms in low- and middle-income countries to address healthcare disparities.