Acute leukaemia is defined as the presence of over 20% of blasts cells in the blood or bone marrow at diagnosis. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are the 2 main types of acute leukaemias.
AML is a malignant clonal disorder, characterized by myeloid blast proliferation and expansion and block in differentiation, occurring in the setting of ineffective normal hematopoiesis, and resulting in life-threatening cytopenias and transfusion dependency. AML is a cancer of the myeloid lineage of blood cells and it is the commonest form of acute leukaemia in adults with a median age of 65 years. It is diagnosed in (10-15)% of the acute leukaemia in childhood.
Flow cytometry is a technology that provides rapid multi-parametric analysis of single cells in solution which plays an important role in the diagnosis, sub classification and monitoring of patients with AML based on the morphological findings. Currently AMLs are classified according to the WHO classification which is based on cytogenetics.
Author(s) Details:
- C. Kariyawasan
Department of Hematology, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Sri Lanka. - L. T. Balasuriya
Department of Hematology, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Sri Lanka. - A. C. D. Ranatunga
Department of Hematology, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, Sri Lanka.
Recent Global Research Developments in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Concise Review
Overview
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells. Recent research has focused on improving treatment outcomes through targeted therapies, molecular profiling, and immunotherapies.
Key Research Developments
- Targeted Therapies: Advances in understanding the genetic mutations driving AML have led to the development of targeted therapies. For instance, the combination of hypomethylating agents and venetoclax has shown promising results in improving patient outcomes [1] .
- Molecular Profiling: Enhanced molecular profiling techniques have allowed for better classification and risk stratification of AML. This has led to more personalized treatment approaches, improving the prognosis for many patients [2].
- Immunotherapies: Recent studies have explored various immunotherapy targets, including cancer cell-intrinsic and surface antigens. These therapies aim to harness the body’s immune system to fight AML more effectively.
- Clinical Trials: Numerous clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate new treatment combinations and novel agents. These trials are crucial for understanding the efficacy and safety of emerging therapies [2].
- New Classifications: Updates from the World Health Organization and the International Consensus Classification system have shifted the classification of AML from a morphological to a molecular and genetic basis [1].
References
- Saultz JN, Garzon R. Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Concise Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2016; 5(3):33. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm5030033
- Bhansali, R.S., Pratz, K.W. & Lai, C. Recent advances in targeted therapies in acute myeloid leukemia. J Hematol Oncol 16, 29 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-023-01424-6
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