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Rhode Island Medical Journal (2013) Apr 2020Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignancy of the stem cell precursors of the myeloid lineage (red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells other than B and T... (Review)
Review
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignancy of the stem cell precursors of the myeloid lineage (red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells other than B and T cells). Like other malignancies, it is due to genetic variations that lead to neoplastic changes and clonal proliferation. AML remains a rare malignancy, accounting for only 1.2% of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States per year, but it accounts for close to one third of all leukemias diagnosed.* For much of the 20th and early 21st century treatment paradigms were unchanged with survival curves remaining stagnant for many decades. Recent changes in our understanding of the genetic variations in the disease have led to some promising new therapies with hopes for improved outcomes in the future. Below we review the definitions, diagnosis and classification of AML and how this affects the evolving treatment paradigm of AML.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Forecasting; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32236160
DOI: No ID Found -
American Journal of Hematology Mar 2023Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a frequently fatal bone marrow stem cell cancer characterized by unbridled proliferation of malignant marrow stem cells with associated... (Review)
Review
DISEASE OVERVIEW
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a frequently fatal bone marrow stem cell cancer characterized by unbridled proliferation of malignant marrow stem cells with associated infection, anemia, and bleeding. An improved understanding of pathophysiology, improvements in measurement technology and at least 10 recently approved therapies have led to revamping the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic landscape of AML.
DIAGNOSIS
One updated and one new classification system were published in 2022, both emphasizing the integration of molecular analysis into daily practice. Differences between the International Consensus Classification and major revisions from the previous 2016 WHO system provide both challenges and opportunities for care and clinical research.
RISK ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING
The European Leukemia Net 2022 risk classification integrates knowledge from novel molecular findings and recent trial results, as well as emphasizing dynamic risk based on serial measurable residual disease assessment. However, how to leverage our burgeoning ability to measure a small number of potentially malignant myeloid cells into therapeutic decision making is controversial.
RISK ADAPTED THERAPY
The diagnostic and therapeutic complexity plus the availability of newly approved agents requires a nuanced therapeutic algorithm which should integrate patient goals of care, comorbidities, and disease characteristics including the specific mutational profile of the patient's AML. The framework we suggest only represents the beginning of the discussion.
Topics: Humans; Bone Marrow; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Mutation; Prognosis; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 36594187
DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26822 -
Nature Reviews. Cancer Apr 2023Myeloid cells are pivotal within the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. The accumulation of tumour-modified myeloid cells derived from monocytes or neutrophils -... (Review)
Review
Myeloid cells are pivotal within the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. The accumulation of tumour-modified myeloid cells derived from monocytes or neutrophils - termed 'myeloid-derived suppressor cells' - and tumour-associated macrophages is associated with poor outcome and resistance to treatments such as chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Unfortunately, there has been little success in large-scale clinical trials of myeloid cell modulators, and only a few distinct strategies have been used to target suppressive myeloid cells clinically so far. Preclinical and translational studies have now elucidated specific functions for different myeloid cell subpopulations within the tumour microenvironment, revealing context-specific roles of different myeloid cell populations in disease progression and influencing response to therapy. To improve the success of myeloid cell-targeted therapies, it will be important to target tumour types and patient subsets in which myeloid cells represent the dominant driver of therapy resistance, as well as to determine the most efficacious treatment regimens and combination partners. This Review discusses what we can learn from work with the first generation of myeloid modulators and highlights recent developments in modelling context-specific roles for different myeloid cell subtypes, which can ultimately inform how to drive more successful clinical trials.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Myeloid Cells; Immunotherapy; Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells; Neutrophils; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 36747021
DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00546-2 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation Apr 2020In spite of the recent approval of new promising targeted therapies, the clinical outcome of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains suboptimal, prompting the... (Review)
Review
In spite of the recent approval of new promising targeted therapies, the clinical outcome of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains suboptimal, prompting the search for additional and synergistic therapeutic rationales. It is increasingly evident that the bone marrow immune environment of AML patients is profoundly altered, contributing to the severity of the disease but also providing several windows of opportunity to prompt or rewire a proficient antitumor immune surveillance. In this Review, we present current evidence on immune defects in AML, discuss the challenges with selective targeting of AML cells, and summarize the clinical results and immunologic insights from studies that are testing the latest immunotherapy approaches to specifically target AML cells (antibodies, cellular therapies) or more broadly reactivate antileukemia immunity (vaccines, checkpoint blockade). Given the complex interactions between AML cells and the many components of their environment, it is reasonable to surmise that the future of immunotherapy in AML lies in the rational combination of complementary immunotherapeutic strategies with chemotherapeutics or other oncogenic pathway inhibitors. Identifying reliable biomarkers of response to improve patient selection and avoid toxicities will be critical in this process.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Immunologic Surveillance; Immunotherapy; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute
PubMed: 32235097
DOI: 10.1172/JCI129204 -
Haematologica Feb 2023Research into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has led to remarkable advances in our understanding of the disease. Mutations now... (Review)
Review
Research into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has led to remarkable advances in our understanding of the disease. Mutations now allow us to explore the enormous diversity among cytogenetically defined subsets of AML, particularly the large subset of cytogenetically normal AML. Despite the progress in unraveling the tumor genome, only a small number of recurrent mutations have been incorporated into risk-stratification schemes and have been proven to be clinically relevant, targetable lesions. The current World Health Organization Classification of myeloid neoplasms and leukemia includes eight AML categories defined by recurrent genetic abnormalities as well as three categories defined by gene mutations. We here discuss the utility of molecular markers in AML in prognostication and treatment decision-making. New therapies based on targetable markers include IDH inhibitors (ivosidenib, enasidenib), venetoclax-based therapy, FLT3 inhibitors (midostaurin, gilteritinib, and quizartinib), gemtuzumab ozogamicin, magrolimab and menin inhibitors.
Topics: Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Gemtuzumab
PubMed: 36722402
DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.280801 -
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.) Aug 2022Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy that most frequently develops in older adults. Overall, AML is associated with a high mortality although... (Review)
Review
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy that most frequently develops in older adults. Overall, AML is associated with a high mortality although advancements in genetic risk stratification and new treatments are leading to improvements in outcomes for some subgroups. In this review, we discuss an individualized approach to intensive therapy with a focus on the role of recently approved novel therapies as well as the selection of post-remission therapies for patients in first remission. We discuss the management of patients with relapsed and refractory AML, including the role of targeted treatment and allogeneic stem cell transplant. Next, we review non-intensive treatment for older and unfit AML patients including the use of azacitidine and venetoclax. Finally, we discuss the integration of palliative care in the management of patients with AML.
Topics: Aged; Azacitidine; General Practitioners; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute
PubMed: 36135060
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29090491 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Mar 2022Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML), defined as AML arising from prior cytotoxic, radiation, or immunosuppressive therapy for an unrelated disease, accounts... (Review)
Review
Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML), defined as AML arising from prior cytotoxic, radiation, or immunosuppressive therapy for an unrelated disease, accounts for 7 %-8 % of AML cases and primarily occurs in elderly patients. t-AML is associated with an increased probability of adverse cytogenetics and shortened survival compared with de novo AML. Factors predicting poorer prognosis in t-AML include older age, unfavorable karyotype, presence of certain mutations, poor performance status, and poor bone marrow reserve. Few clinical studies have focused specifically on patients with t-AML, and the choice of induction therapy for t-AML is thus typically based on subset analyses of larger studies or on extrapolation. In patients deemed fit, t-AML treatment can involve CPX-351 (liposomal daunorubicin and cytarabine) or conventional chemotherapy, ideally followed by hematopoietic cell transplantation. Patients who are not candidates for intensive therapy may benefit from lower-intensity therapies. Additional agents and combination regimens are being evaluated in clinical studies.
Topics: Aged; Antineoplastic Agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Cytarabine; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Mutation; Prognosis
PubMed: 35101585
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103607 -
Blood Oct 2020The nucleophosmin (NPM1) gene encodes for a multifunctional protein with prominent nucleolar localization that shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm. NPM1 mutations... (Review)
Review
The nucleophosmin (NPM1) gene encodes for a multifunctional protein with prominent nucleolar localization that shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm. NPM1 mutations represent the most common genetic lesion in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML; about one third of cases), and they act deterministically to cause the aberrant cytoplasmic delocalization of NPM1 mutants. Because of its unique features, NPM1-mutated AML is recognized as a distinct entity in the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematopoietic neoplasms. Here, we focus on recently identified functions of wild-type NPM1 in the nucleolus and address new biological and clinical issues related to NPM1-mutated AML. The relevance of the cooperation between NPM1 and other mutations in driving AML with different outcomes is presented. We also discuss the importance of eradicating NPM1-mutated clones to achieve AML cure and the impact of preleukemic clonal hematopoiesis persistence in predisposing to second AML. The contribution of HOX genes' expression to the development of NPM1-mutated AML is also highlighted. Clinically, yet unsolved diagnostic issues in the 2017 WHO classification of myeloid neoplasms and the importance of NPM1 mutations in defining the framework of European LeukemiaNet genetic-based risk stratification are discussed. Finally, we address the value and limits of NPM1-based measurable residual disease assessment for treatment guidance and present the results of promising preclinical studies with XPO1 and menin-MLL inhibitors.
Topics: Animals; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Clonal Hematopoiesis; Disease Management; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Mutation; Nuclear Proteins; Nucleophosmin; Precancerous Conditions; Prognosis; Translational Research, Biomedical
PubMed: 32609823
DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004226 -
Blood Jul 2020Secondary acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) evolving from an antecedent myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) are characterized by a unique set of cytogenetic and molecular... (Review)
Review
Secondary acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) evolving from an antecedent myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) are characterized by a unique set of cytogenetic and molecular features distinct from de novo AML. Given the high frequency of poor-risk cytogenetic and molecular features, malignant clones are frequently insensitive to traditional AML chemotherapeutic agents. Allogeneic stem cell transplant, the only treatment modality shown to have any beneficial long-term outcome, is often not possible given the advanced age of patients at time of diagnosis and frequent presence of competing comorbidities. Even in this setting, relapse rates remain high. As a result, outcomes are generally poor and there remains a significant unmet need for novel therapeutic strategies. Although advances in cancer genomics have dramatically enhanced our understanding of the molecular events governing clonal evolution in MPNs, the cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms driving leukemic transformation at this level remain poorly understood. Here, we review known risk factors for the development of leukemic transformation in MPNs, recent progress made in our understanding of the molecular features associated with leukemic transformation, current treatment strategies, and emerging therapeutic options for this high-risk myeloid malignancy.
Topics: Abnormal Karyotype; Allografts; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Chromosome Aberrations; Clonal Evolution; Combined Modality Therapy; Comorbidity; Disease Progression; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Drugs, Investigational; Genes, Neoplasm; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Models, Biological; Mutation; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Neoplasm Proteins; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Single-Cell Analysis; Therapies, Investigational
PubMed: 32430500
DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019000943 -
Annals of Hematology Aug 2023Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a distinct entity among myeloid neoplasms defined as a tumour mass of myeloid blasts occurring at an anatomical site other than the bone marrow,... (Review)
Review
Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a distinct entity among myeloid neoplasms defined as a tumour mass of myeloid blasts occurring at an anatomical site other than the bone marrow, in most cases concomitant with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), rarely without bone marrow involvement. MS may also represent the blast phase of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, the clinical and molecular heterogeneity of AML, as highlighted by the 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) and International Consensus (ICC) classifications, indirectly define MS more as a set of heterogeneous and proteiform diseases, rather than a homogeneous single entity. Diagnosis is challenging and relies mainly on histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and imaging. Molecular and cytogenetic analysis of MS tissue, particularly in isolated cases, should be performed to refine the diagnosis, and thus assign prognosis guiding treatment decisions. If feasible, systemic therapies used in AML remission induction should be employed, even in isolated MS. Role and type of consolidation therapy are not univocally acknowledged, and systemic therapies, radiotherapy, or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) should be considered. In the present review, we discuss recent information on MS, focusing on diagnosis, molecular findings, and treatments also considering targetable mutations by recently approved AML drugs.
Topics: Humans; Sarcoma, Myeloid; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute; Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 37286874
DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05288-1