The evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) is critical in the evaluation of treatments aimed at maximal cytoreduction in multiple myeloma (MM). Qualitative evaluation of MRD now has a 10-yr-long history, but it remains a relatively sophisticated procedure. More recently, real-time quantitative approaches have also been developed. These approaches allow a very effective monitoring of disease but introduce additional complexity and costs to the procedure. This chapter describes how we currently perform real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in MM. Compared to the first description of the assay in June 2000, significant improvements have been made. Although real-time PCR is the main focus of the chapter, most of the information suitable for a proper setup of a qualitative approach is also provided.
