ASH 2016 | New targets to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3 mutations
Keith Pratz, MD, from Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, discusses new treatment targets for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3 mutations at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Congress 2016 in San Diego, CA. Dr Pratz explains that this subtype of leukemia typically has higher rates of recurrence than other AML subtypes, and is prone to genomic instability, with increased acquisition of mutations over time. Genetic analysis of patients proceeding through treatments and going into relapse has resulted in the identification of prototypical changes at the level of the chromosomes, which could highlight a new strategy to treat AML with FLT3 mutations. Potential targets include supporting the DNA repair pathway, or using the genomic instability to augment an immune effect with checkpoint inhibitors.
