News

PD Dr. med. Gregor Hörmann heads the Diagnostic Phenotype business unit at MLL MVZ. The unit includes cytomorphology, immunophenotyping, sample receipt, and quality management, among other areas. As a specialist in laboratory medicine, he is involved in several key stages of the diagnostic workflow. In this short interview, Dr. Hörmann shares insights into his role, discusses the importance of well-connected diagnostics, and outlines the developments he considers particularly relevant to his business unit.

[Press release] MLL MVZ has commissioned AXELIOS 1, the new sequencing platform from Roche Diagnostics. The technology, which is based on Sequencing by Expansion, will initially be evaluated for research and development projects in hematology. The focus is on how it can be integrated into existing molecular genetics, bioinformatics, and integrated leukemia diagnostics processes.

Manja Meggendorfer heads the business unit Genetic Diagnostics and the Molecular Genetics Department at MLL MVZ. Molecular genetics is a state-of-the-art diagnostic approach used to identify genetic mutations, generate genetic tumor profiles, and assess measurable residual disease (MRD). In this short interview, Dr. Meggendorfer provides insights into her role, discusses her responsibilities, and shares her perspective on the future development of her field.

The secure transmission of medical reports is more important than ever. While fax communication has long been established in healthcare, many transmission methods no longer meet today’s requirements for data protection and information security. Digital solutions such as KIM mail and web-based reporting portals enable modern, encrypted, and efficient communication between laboratories and medical practices.

Once a year, specialists from various countries gather at our facility to receive advanced training in hematological diagnostics from our experts. This year, the MLL MVZ Academy once again provided participants with insights into the latest developments and diagnostic disciplines in hematology, as well as an inside look at our processes.

On March 13 and 14, 2026, we once again welcomed colleagues to our training course “From the clinic to the microscope: integrated diagnostics in haematology.” The aim was to provide hands-on insights into cytomorphology, immunophenotyping, and cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics – including the opportunity to independently examine peripheral blood and bone marrow samples microscopically and to write immunophenotypic reports.

The International Consensus Classification (ICC) introduced CMUS and CCMUS to describe clonal hematopoiesis with monocytosis below the diagnostic threshold for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). An analysis of 431,531 UK Biobank participants shows that CMUS with absolute monocytosis (CMUS-ABS) and CCMUS are associated with an increased risk of myeloid neoplasms as well as cardiovascular and kidney disease. Dunn et al. propose sex-specific monocyte thresholds with higher monocyte thresholds for men, as well as exclusion of isolated DNMT3A mutations.

Since August 2026, MLL MVZ has offered next-generation sequencing (NGS) for the assessment of ACKR1/DARC-associated neutropenia (ADAN). The test analyzes the ADAN-associated rs2814778 variant in the ACKR1 (formerly DARC) gene. Establishing an ADAN diagnosis is particularly relevant in patients with persistently low absolute neutrophil counts but no increased susceptibility to infections: it distinguishes genetically determined benign neutropenia from pathological causes and may help avoid unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures and inappropriate treatment exclusions.

When B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) populations are small, flow cytometric cell sorting can selectively enrich the lymphoma-cell fraction, enabling FISH and next-generation sequencing (NGS) analyses or improving their diagnostic yield. This approach is particularly useful for clinically relevant genetic questions, such as small SLL/CLL clones requiring assessment of TP53 aberrations, del(17p), or IGHV mutation status; differentiation between MBL and mantle cell lymphoma using CCND1::IGH; or suspected follicular lymphoma using IGH::BCL2 when the initial tumor-cell fraction is low.

More than 98% of all human genetic variants are located in the non-coding genome — regions that do not encode proteins but regulate gene activity. With AlphaGenome, Google DeepMind has introduced an AI model capable of simultaneously predicting eleven regulatory modalities for the first time, outperforming benchmark models in 25 of 26 evaluations. This represents an important methodological advance for the interpretation of non-coding variants in research and diagnostics.

Assessment of measurable residual disease (MRD) is a key component of prognosis and treatment decision-making in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In late 2025, the AML MRD Working Party of the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) published updated recommendations that combine flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, and ultra-high-sensitivity next-generation sequencing. The optimal method depends primarily on the genetic profile of the disease. We summarize the most important recommendations and their implications for clinical practice.

In diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), new molecular genetic testing methods enable the assessment of tumor burden and can therefore be used for measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring. Analysis of patient-specific phased variants allows detection with a sensitivity of up to ~10⁻⁶. Starting in July 2026, we will offer this molecular assay in our laboratory. This article provides all important details about the assay and sample requirements.

The MLL MVZ has modernised its sample reception and pre-analytical processes in 2025 with an innovative automation solution developed in close collaboration with Roche, Hamilton and Sysmex. Specially configured Microlab STAR M liquid handling systems will automatically process whole blood and bone marrow samples, including homogenisation, aliquoting, cell counting, preparation and staining of blood smears, automatic microscopy with AI support and sample archiving. The result is maximum precision, efficiency and consistent quality.

The healthcare system is undergoing profound transformation: digitalization, artificial intelligence and new care structures are changing how we diagnose, treat and conduct research. Yet between great opportunities and practical hurdles, what is needed now are clear strategies, reliable data spaces and strong cooperation. At MLL MVZ, we would like to give you an overview of the key developments currently shaping medicine – and how we can jointly shape the future of patient care.

Digitalization and artificial intelligence offer enormous opportunities for modern precision medicine, whether in cancer diagnostics or digital patient care. However, Germany's healthcare system is falling short of its potential. At MLL and MLL MVZ, we demonstrate what is needed now: clear decisions, bold pilot projects, and a new mindset for responsible healthcare tomorrow.

Chromosome analysis is an essential part of the diagnostics of malignant hematological diseases. It plays an important role in confirming the diagnostics, classification, prognosis assessment and therapy planning. The method is considered time-consuming and demanding, both laboratory-wise and in terms of evaluation and reporting. In addition to the continuous expansion of the automation of laboratory processes, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in chromosome analysis in particular enables a significant reduction in the reporting time as well as a more objective and sensitive assessment of chromosomal changes.

We take artificial intelligence (AI) for granted these days and often use it in our everyday lives without noticing. But what does this mean for diagnostics – today and in the future? At MLL, artificial intelligence is used in various areas of diagnostics and is constantly being further developed. This not only saves time but will also facilitate the training of new staff in the future and expand opportunities for global collaboration. The aim is to provide patients with easier access to precise and rapid diagnoses and thus access to the best possible therapy.

The Munich Leukemia Laboratory and the newly founded Institute of AI for Health (AIH) of the Helmholtz Center of Munich have agreed on comprehensive collaboration for research and development. The primary goal is the implementation of machine learning and artificial intelligence in various areas of leukemia diagnostics.

This past year stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment. We've refined our diagnostic techniques and embraced cutting-edge technologies, all with the goal of unlocking deeper insights into blood diseases. Our belief remains firm: advancing medicine goes beyond merely assembling diverse expertise—it requires an insatiable thirst for knowledge. This report celebrates our journey toward that goal!

This year was marked by various challenges, including war, natural disasters, and inflation, yet we managed to make significant strides in research. Our research report reflects the tireless dedication and innovative spirit of MLL's team as we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge in the field of hematology.

Those who know us know that we always look ahead, push boundaries, and rarely stand still. We have reviewed the last scientific year and summarized our research highlights in the new Research Report 2022. Feel free to get caught up in our own passion and immerse yourself in our research with us. In 2022, we were once again energized, curious, and enthusiastic about advancing the best possible leukemia diagnostics for our patients. To further facilitate reading and to better convey our data, we have included various graphical representations and summaries and we hope you enjoy the content.

In AML and ALL the application of WHO classification and ELN guidelines requires a plethora of methods to determine the diagnostic and prognostic subgroup. Especially in ALL, many different subtypes have been described, which makes accurate diagnosis a challenge. However, in recent years, whole genome and whole transcriptome sequencing have emerged as comprehensive high-throughput techniques that allow for an accurate genetic characterization. This identification of patients’ genetic fingerprint is key to a precise diagnosis and the design of personalised cancer treatments.

Even though the last two years have been dominated by the pandemic, we have kept science firmly in our mind. Providing the best possible care for our oncology patients remains our heartfelt mission. After another scientifically successful year, we would like to take the opportunity to summarize our findings of 2021. To further facilitate reading and to better convey our data, we have included various graphical representations and summaries and we hope you enjoy the content.

Visualization of genomic and transcriptomic data is essential to easily exploring those large datasets for interpretation and hypothesis generation and can further help to uncover hidden patterns and trends. With the ongoing development of sequencing and computer technologies, it has become feasible for scientists and clinicians to reliably collect large amounts of high-quality sequence information from DNA and RNA molecules. The analysis and interpretation of such datasets are now routine aspects of many research projects in biology and medicine, creating a need for new tools and methods to also visualize the data and the findings.

At our continuing education event, 'From the Clinic to the Microscope: Integrated Diagnostics in Haematology', taking place on 27 and 28 November 2026, we aim to explore the impact of clinical practice and diagnostics on treatment decisions. You will find all the programme and registration information here.

The 8th Oncology Symposium, hosted by the publisher Trillium, is themed "From Biomarker to Therapy" and will highlight current developments in precision oncology in German. The symposium will focus on innovations in molecular diagnostics, liquid biopsies, AI-supported decision-making, and genetic risk factors. These topics will be discussed in a practical context by renowned experts at this hybrid event.