Application Detail

Description of Medical Service

The primary clinical purpose for monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) is to determine the response to treatment and the risk of leukaemia relapse. The three main methodologies used to detect and quantify residual tumour cells not detectable by morphology are multi-parametric flow cytometry of leukaemia-associated immunophenotypes and molecular methods including quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing and next-generation sequencing. MRD results can be used to modify the intensity and duration of chemotherapy, or to use bone marrow transplant in first remission to prevent relapse.

Description of Medical Condition

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) can occur at any age, but most cases arise in children younger than six years of age. Typical symptoms include fever, fatigue, bone or joint pain, bleeding, anorexia, abdominal pain, and hepatosplenomegaly. Despite most patients achieving a morphological remission, many will still have persistent MRD, which is the strongest predictor of relapse in ALL.

Reason for Application

New MBS item

Medical Service Type

Investigative technology

Previous Application Number/s

Not Applicable

Associated Documentation

Application Form

Application Form (PDF 1911 KB)
Application Form (Word 1984 KB)

Consultation Survey

Consultation Survey (PDF 695 KB)
Consultation Survey (Word 72 KB)

PASC Consultation
Consultation closed

MSAC Consultation
MSAC consultation closed Friday, 10 February 2023.

For further information please refer to PASC, ESC, MSAC Key Dates
For further information on the consultation process please refer to MSAC Consultation Process

PICO Confirmation

PICO Confirmation (PDF 2002 KB)
PICO Confirmation (Word 334 KB)

Assessment Report

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Public Summary Document

Public Summary Document (PDF 668 KB)
Public Summary Document (Word 230 KB)

Meetings for this Application

PASC

13-14 April 2022

ESC

9-10 February 2023

MSAC

30-31 March 2023