Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease that is typically associated with a very poor prognosis; however, cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities that characterize different forms of AML have been used to better prognosticate patients and inform treatment strategies, which might enable better outcomes to be achieved. Moreover, in the era of next-generation sequencing and molecularly targeted therapy, genetic profiling of patients with AML could open new avenues of treatment. Herein, the authors discuss the evidence-base for integrating mutational data into treatment decisions for patients with AML, and propose novel therapeutic algorithms aimed at improving outcomes of this dismal disease by promoting clinical research.
- Catherine C. Coombs
- Martin S. Tallman
- Ross L. Levine