Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia With FLT3 Activating Mutations

Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia With FLT3 Activating Mutations: What You Should Know

Relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3 activating mutations is a type of AML that is more difficult to treat, and can be caused by genetic mutations of the FLT3 gene. Approximately one third of AML patients have FLT3 mutations, which can cause the leukemic cells to divide rapidly and can make AML more aggressive, resistant to chemotherapy and difficult to treat. Here is what you should know about relapsed or refractory AML with FLT3 activating mutations.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing AML with FLT3 activating mutations can be done through genetic testing or by looking at the FLT3 status of a bone marrow sample. Once diagnosed, treatment typically consists of targeted therapy for the FLT3 mutation in combination with traditional chemotherapy. In some cases, stem cell transplants can be used to treat relapsed or refractory AML with FLT3 activating mutations.

Types of FLT3 Mutations

There are two types of FLT3 mutations: internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations and tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) point mutations. ITD mutations cause the FLT3 gene to produce an abnormally large molecule, while TKD point mutations cause specific changes in the gene that can lead to over-production of FLT3 proteins. Treatment for AML with FLT3 mutations is often more successful when the specific type of mutation is known.

Risk of Relapse

Patients with relapsed or refractory AML with FLT3 activating mutations have a higher risk of relapse compared to patients without FLT3 mutations. This is because the mutations cause the leukemic cells to replicate faster, making them more resistant to chemotherapy and other treatments. It is important for patients to receive ongoing monitoring to track for signs of relapse.

Precautions

Patients with relapsed or refractory AML with FLT3 activating mutations should be aware of the increased risk of relapse and should follow their doctor’s recommendations for ongoing monitoring and follow up care. Additionally, patients should talk to their doctor about any potential side effects of their treatment and take steps to limit their risk of infection.

Conclusion

Relapsed or refractory AML with FLT3 activating mutations is a challenging form of AML to treat. Diagnosis and treatment typically involve targeted therapy in combination with traditional chemotherapy, and in some cases stem cell transplants. Patients with this type of AML should be aware of the increased risk of relapse and should discuss all treatment options with their doctor.