The Cytometry Laboratory at the Medical University of Wrocław has received a prestigious international certificate confirming its highest competence in detecting measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. This is the first such certificate in Poland and one of only three awarded in Europe. 

The team led by Dr. Donata Szymczak has proven that it can find single cancer cells among millions of healthy ones, which is crucial for the effectiveness of leukemia treatment. Thanks to advanced cytometric testing, it is possible not only to diagnose the disease, but above all to monitor the effects of therapy and make decisions about its possible modification. 

The certificate was awarded by the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) and is the result of a multi-stage verification process that lasted eight months. 

 Photo: Medical University of Wrocław 

The Flow Cytometry Laboratory at the Department of Hematology, Cell Therapies and Internal Diseases of the Medical University of Wrocław works on materials from patients from across the region, analyzing blood, bone marrow, and cerebrospinal fluid samples. In MRD testing, it is crucial to detect even the smallest number of cancer cells, which, despite the absence of clinical symptoms, can lead to a recurrence of the disease. 

The Wrocław team is currently participating in a large international research project Resolve, alongside centers in Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Israel, and the United Kingdom. The condition for participation was obtaining ELN certification. 

The laboratory’s work is not limited to acute myeloid leukemia – it also conducts MRD testing in multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is currently applying for another international distinction – certification from the European Research Initiative on CLL (ERIC).