501
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Del Poeta G, Ammatuna E, Lavorgna S, Capelli G, Zaza S, Luciano F, Ottone T, Del Principe MI, Buccisano F, Maurillo L, Panetta P, de Fabritiis P, Stasi R, Venditti A, Amadori S, Lo Coco F. The genotype nucleophosmin mutated and FLT3-ITD negative is characterized by high bax/bcl-2 ratio and favourable outcome in acute myeloid leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2010; 149:383-7. [PMID: 20148885 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2010.08098.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nucleophosmin gene (NPM1) mutations characterize acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with normal karyotype and frequently co-exist with FLT3 internal tandem duplications (ITD). We evaluated bcl-2, bax, NPM1 and FLT3-ITD in 222 AML patients. Bax/bcl-2 ratio >0.35 and NPM1 without FLT3-ITD were significantly associated (P = 0.0001). NPM1-mutated (mt)/FLT3-ITD negative patients showed a higher complete remission (CR) rate (90%, P = 0.0002) and a longer overall survival (OS, P = 0.00007). NPM1-mt/FLT3-ITD negative plus bax/bcl-2 > 0.35 subset showed a very high CR rate (96%), very long OS (P = 0.00005) and disease-free survival (P = 0.004). The favourable prognosis of NPM1-mt/FLT3-ITD negative patients might be explained by a higher bax/bcl-2 ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Del Poeta
- Department of Haematology, Ospedale S.Eugenio, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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502
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The impact on outcome of the addition of all-trans retinoic acid to intensive chemotherapy in younger patients with nonacute promyelocytic acute myeloid leukemia: overall results and results in genotypic subgroups defined by mutations in NPM1, FLT3, and CEBPA. Blood 2010; 115:948-56. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-08-236588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractWe investigated the benefit of adding all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to chemotherapy for younger patients with nonacute promyelocytic acute myeloid leukemia and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, and considered interactions between treatment and molecular markers. Overall, 1075 patients less than 60 years of age were randomized to receive or not receive ATRA in addition to daunorubicin/Ara-C/thioguanine chemotherapy with Ara-C at standard or double standard dose. There were data on FLT3 internal tandem duplications and NPM1 mutations (n = 592), CEBPA mutations (n = 423), and MN1 expression (n = 195). The complete remission rate was 68% with complete remission with incomplete count recovery in an additional 16%; 8-year overall survival was 32%. There was no significant treatment effect for any outcome, with no significant interactions between treatment and demographics, or cytarabine randomization. Importantly, there were no interactions by FLT3/internal tandem duplications, NPM1, or CEBPA mutation. There was a suggestion that ATRA reduced relapse in patients with lower MN1 levels, but no significant effect on overall survival. Results were consistent when restricted to patients with normal karyotype. ATRA has no overall effect on treatment outcomes in this group of patients. The study did not identify any subgroup of patients likely to derive a significant survival benefit from the addition of ATRA to chemotherapy. This study is registered at http://www.controlled-trials.com under ISRCTN17833622.
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503
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Chillón MC, Santamaría C, García-Sanz R, Balanzategui A, Sarasquete ME, Alcoceba M, Marín L, Caballero MD, Vidriales MB, Ramos F, Bernal T, Díaz-Mediavilla J, García de Coca A, Peñarrubia MJ, Queizán JA, Giraldo P, San Miguel JF, González M. Long FLT3 internal tandem duplications and reduced PML-RARα expression at diagnosis characterize a high-risk subgroup of acute promyelocytic leukemia patients. Haematologica 2010; 95:745-51. [PMID: 20133893 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2009.015073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internal tandem duplications of the FLT3 gene (FLT3-ITDs) are frequent in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), however its clinical impact remains controversial. DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed the prognostic significance of FLT3-ITD mutant level and size, as well as FLT3-D835 point mutations, PML-RARalpha expression and other predictive factors in 129 APL patients at diagnosis enrolled on the Spanish LPA96 (n=43) or LPA99 (n=86) PETHEMA trials. RESULTS FLT3-ITDs and D835 mutations were detected in 21% and 9% of patients, respectively. Patients with increased ITD mutant/wild-type ratio or longer ITD size displayed shorter 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) (P=0.048 and P<0.0001, respectively). However, patients with D835 mutations did not show differences in RFS or overall survival (OS). Moreover, patients with initial normalized copy number (NCN) of PML-RARalpha transcripts less than the 25(th) percentile had adverse clinical features and shorter 5-year RFS (P<0.0001) and OS (P=0.004) compared to patients with higher NCN. Patients with low NCN showed increased incidence of ITDs (P=0.001), with higher ratios (P<0.0001) and/or longer sizes (P=0.007). Multivariate analysis showed that long FLT3-ITD (P=0.001), low PML-RARalpha levels (P=0.004) and elevated WBC counts (>10x10(9)/L) (P=0.018) were independent predictors for shorter RFS. We identified a subgroup of patients with high WBC, long FLT3-ITD and low NCN of transcripts that showed an extremely bad prognosis (5-year RFS 23.4%, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, FLT3-ITD size and PML-RARalpha transcript levels at diagnosis could contribute to improve the risk stratification in APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Carmen Chillón
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital of Salamanca, Paseo San Vicente 58-182, Salamanca, 37007, Spain.
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504
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Diagnosis and management of acute myeloid leukemia in adults: recommendations from an international expert panel, on behalf of the European LeukemiaNet. Blood 2010; 115:453-74. [PMID: 19880497 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-07-235358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2514] [Impact Index Per Article: 179.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractIn 2003, an international working group last reported on recommendations for diagnosis, response assessment, and treatment outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Since that time, considerable progress has been made in elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of the disease that has resulted in the identification of new diagnostic and prognostic markers. Furthermore, therapies are now being developed that target disease-associated molecular defects. Recent developments prompted an international expert panel to provide updated evidence- and expert opinion–based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of AML, that contain both minimal requirements for general practice as well as standards for clinical trials. A new standardized reporting system for correlation of cytogenetic and molecular genetic data with clinical data is proposed.
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505
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Leukemia-initiating cells from some acute myeloid leukemia patients with mutated nucleophosmin reside in the CD34(-) fraction. Blood 2010; 115:1976-84. [PMID: 20053758 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-02-206565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are believed to be restricted to the CD34(+) fraction. However, one of the most frequently mutated genes in AML is nucleophosmin (NPM), and this is associated with low CD34 expression. We, therefore, investigated whether NPM-mutated AMLs have LICs restricted to the CD34(+) fraction. We transplanted sorted fractions of primary NPM-mutated AML into immunodeficient mice to establish which fractions initiate leukemia. Approximately one-half of cases had LICs exclusively within the CD34(-) fraction, whereas the CD34(+) fraction contained normal multilineage hematopoietic repopulating cells. Most of the remaining cases had LICs in both CD34(+) and CD34(-) fractions. When samples were sorted based on CD34 and CD38 expression, multiple fractions initiated leukemia in primary and secondary recipients. The data indicate that the phenotype of LICs is more heterogeneous than previously realized and can vary even within a single sample. This feature of LICs may make them particularly difficult to eradicate using therapies targeted against surface antigens.
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506
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Falini B. Acute myeloid leukemia with mutated nucleophosmin (NPM1): molecular, pathological, and clinical features. Cancer Treat Res 2010; 145:149-168. [PMID: 20306250 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-69259-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The NPM1 gene encodes for nucleophosmin, a nucleolus-located shuttling protein that is involved in multiple cell functions, including regulation of ribosome biogenesis, control of centrosome duplication and preservation of ARF tumor suppressor integrity. The NPM1 gene is specifically mutated in about 30% acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but not in other human neoplasms. Mutations cause crucial changes at the C-terminus of the NPM1 protein that are responsible for the aberrant nuclear export and accumulation of NPM1 mutants in the cytoplasm of leukemic cells. Diagnosis of AML with mutated NPM1 can be done using molecular techniques, immunohistochemistry (looking at cytoplasmic dislocation of nucleophosmin that is predictive of NPM1 mutations) and Western blotting with antibodies specifically directed against NPM1 mutants. Because of its distinctive molecular, pathological, immunophenotypic and prognostic features, AML with mutated NPM1 (synonym: NPMc+ AML) has been included, as a new provisional entity, in the 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid neoplasms.
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507
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Estey E. High cytogenetic or molecular genetic risk acute myeloid leukemia. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2010; 2010:474-480. [PMID: 21239839 DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2010.1.474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Resistance, manifested as failure to enter remission despite living long enough to do so or as relapse from remission, is the principal cause of therapeutic failure in acute myeloid leukemia, even in patients age ≥ 75. Recently, a "monosomal karyotype" in acute myeloid leukemia blasts has been found to be a principal predictor of resistance. It is also clear that patients with a normal karyotype, and other intermediate prognosis karyotypes, can be placed into a high-risk group based on the absence of a mutation in the NPM1 gene or the presence of an internal tandem duplication (ITD) of the Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 gene (FLT3) gene, particularly if there is loss of the wild-type FLT3 allele. The effects of other genetic abnormalities have been inconsistent, perhaps reflecting differences in expression of the abnormality and its translation into protein. Several reports have shown the prognostic potential of profiling global gene expression, micro-RNA expression, DNA methylation, and proteomics. Although routine application of these approaches is still premature, pretreatment assessment of the nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutation and FLT3 ITD status, as well as cytogenetics, should be routine. These results can be used to guide the choice of remission induction therapy, for example, by placing patients with monosomal karyotype or FLT3 ITDs on clinical trials. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant in first complete remission is generally indicated for high-risk patients. However, new approaches are needed to reduce the high rates of relapse, even after hematopoietic cell transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elihu Estey
- Division of Hematology, University of Washington School of Medicine and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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508
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Ustun C, DeRemer DL, Jillella AP, Bhalla KN. Investigational drugs targeting FLT3 for leukemia. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2009; 18:1445-56. [PMID: 19671038 DOI: 10.1517/13543780903179278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) is a member of the class III membrane receptor tyrosine kinase family and is important in survival, proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. FLT3 is mutated in approximately 30% of acute myelogenous leukemia patients. These mutations involve internal tandem duplications in the juxtamembrane domain of the receptor and tyrosine kinase point mutations in the activation loop. Over the past decade, due to the incidence and poor prognosis associated with FLT3, numerous agents have been developed to directly inhibit the activity of wild type and mutated FLT3. In this review, we focus on the preclinical data demonstrating in vitro activity, inhibition of downstream signaling pathways and potential synergy with traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Also, early clinical trial data specifically focusing on drug toxicity, clinical efficacy and future directions of FLT3-directed anticancer therapy are discussed.
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509
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Rau R, Brown P. Nucleophosmin (NPM1) mutations in adult and childhood acute myeloid leukaemia: towards definition of a new leukaemia entity. Hematol Oncol 2009; 27:171-81. [PMID: 19569254 DOI: 10.1002/hon.904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nucleophosmin (NPM) is a ubiquitously expressed chaperone protein that shuttles rapidly between the nucleus and cytoplasm, but predominantly resides in the nucleolus. It plays key roles in ribosome biogenesis, centrosome duplication, genomic stability, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Somatic mutations in exon 12 of the NPM gene (NPM1) are the most frequent genetic abnormality in adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), found in approximately 35% of all cases and up to 60% of patients with normal karyotype (NK) AML. In children, NPM1 mutations are far less frequent, occurring in 8-10% of all AML cases, and in approximately 25% of those with a NK. NPM1 mutations lead to aberrant localization of the NPM protein into the cytoplasm, thus the designation, NPMc+ AML. NPMc+ AML is seen predominantly in patients with a NK and is essentially mutually exclusive of recurrent chromosomal translocations. Patients with NPM1 mutations are twice as likely as those who lack an NPM1 mutation to also have a FMS-like tyrosine kinase (FLT3) internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutation. NPMc+ AML is also characterized by a unique gene expression signature and microRNA signature. NPMc+ AML has important prognostic significance, as NPMc+ AML, in the absence of a coexisting FLT3-ITD mutation, is associated with a favourable outcome. NPM1 mutations have also shown great stability during disease evolution, and therefore represent a possible marker for minimal residual disease detection. Given its distinctive biologic and clinical features and its clear clinical relevance, NPMc+ AML is included as a provisional entity in the 2008 WHO classifications. There is still much to be learned about this genetic alteration, including its exact role in leukaemogenesis, how it interacts with other mutations and why it confers a more favourable prognosis. Further, it represents a potential therapeutic target warranting research aimed at identifying novel small molecules with activity in NPMc+ AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Rau
- Departments of Oncology and Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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510
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Becker H, Marcucci G, Maharry K, Radmacher MD, Mrózek K, Margeson D, Whitman SP, Wu YZ, Schwind S, Paschka P, Powell BL, Carter TH, Kolitz JE, Wetzler M, Carroll AJ, Baer MR, Caligiuri MA, Larson RA, Bloomfield CD. Favorable prognostic impact of NPM1 mutations in older patients with cytogenetically normal de novo acute myeloid leukemia and associated gene- and microRNA-expression signatures: a Cancer and Leukemia Group B study. J Clin Oncol 2009; 28:596-604. [PMID: 20026798 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.25.1496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the prognostic significance of NPM1 mutations, and the associated gene- and microRNA-expression signatures in older patients with de novo, cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) treated with intensive chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred forty-eight adults age >or= 60 years with de novo CN-AML, enrolled onto Cancer and Leukemia Group B protocols 9720 and 10201, were studied at diagnosis for NPM1, FLT3, CEBPA, and WT1 mutations, and gene- and microRNA-expression profiles. RESULTS Patients with NPM1 mutations (56%) had higher complete remission (CR) rates (84% v 48%; P < .001) and longer disease-free survival (DFS; P = .047; 3-year rates, 23% v 10%) and overall survival (OS; P < .001; 3-year rates, 35% v 8%) than NPM1 wild-type patients. In multivariable analyses, NPM1 mutations remained independent predictors for higher CR rates (P < .001) and longer DFS (P = .004) and OS (P < .001), after adjustment for other prognostic clinical and molecular variables. Unexpectedly, the prognostic impact of NPM1 mutations was mainly observed in patients >or= 70 years. Gene- and microRNA-expression profiles associated with NPM1 mutations were similar across older patient age groups and similar to those in younger (< 60 years) patients with CN-AML. These profiles were characterized by upregulation of HOX genes and their embedded microRNAs and downregulation of the prognostically adverse MN1, BAALC, and ERG genes. CONCLUSION NPM1 mutations have favorable prognostic impact in older patients with CN-AML, especially those age >or= 70 years. The gene- and microRNA-expression profiles suggest that NPM1 mutations constitute a marker defining a biologically homogeneous entity in CN-AML that might be treated with specific and/or targeted therapies across age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Becker
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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511
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Gulley ML, Shea TC, Fedoriw Y. Genetic tests to evaluate prognosis and predict therapeutic response in acute myeloid leukemia. J Mol Diagn 2009; 12:3-16. [PMID: 19959801 DOI: 10.2353/jmoldx.2010.090054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia relies on genetic tests that inform diagnosis and prognosis, predict response to therapy, and measure minimal residual disease. The value of genetics is reinforced in the revised 2008 World Health Organization acute myeloid leukemia classification scheme. The various analytic procedures-karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridization, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and microarray technology-each have advantages in certain clinical settings, and understanding their relative merits assists in specimen allocation and in effective utilization of health care resources. Karyotype and array technology represent genome-wide screens, whereas the other methods target specific prognostic features such as t(15;17) PML-RARA, t(8;21) RUNX1-RUNX1T1, inv(16) CBFB-MYH11, 11q23 MLL rearrangement, FLT3 internal tandem duplication, or NPM1 mutation. New biomarkers and pharmacogenetic tests are emerging. The pathologist's expertise is critical in 1) consulting with clinicians about test selection as well as specimen collection and handling; 2) allocating tissue for immediate testing and preserving the remaining specimen for any downstream testing that is indicated once morphology and other pertinent test results are known; 3) performing tests that maximize outcome based on the strengths and limitations of each assay in each available specimen type; and 4) interpreting and conveying results to the rest of the health care team in a format that facilitates clinical management. Acute myeloid leukemia leads the way for modern molecular medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret L Gulley
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 913 Brinkhous-Bullitt Building, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7525, USA.
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512
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Smith A, Roman E, Howell D, Jones R, Patmore R, Jack A. The Haematological Malignancy Research Network (HMRN): a new information strategy for population based epidemiology and health service research. Br J Haematol 2009; 148:739-53. [PMID: 19958356 PMCID: PMC3066245 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2009.08010.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Haematological Malignancy Research Network (HMRN) was established in 2004 to provide robust generalizable data to inform clinical practice and research. It comprises an ongoing population-based cohort of patients newly diagnosed by a single integrated haematopathology laboratory in two adjacent UK Cancer Networks (population 3·6 million). With an emphasis on primary-source data, prognostic factors, sequential treatment/response history, and socio-demographic details are recorded to clinical trial standards. Data on 8131 patients diagnosed over the 4 years 2004–08 are examined here using the latest World Health Organization classification. HMRN captures all diagnoses (adult and paediatric) and the diagnostic age ranged from 4 weeks to 99 years (median 70·4 years). In line with published estimates, first-line clinical trial entry varied widely by disease subtype and age, falling from 59·5% in those aged <15 years to 1·9% in those aged over 75 years – underscoring the need for contextual population-based treatment and response data of the type collected by HMRN. The critical importance of incorporating molecular and prognostic markers into comparative survival analyses is illustrated with reference to diffuse-large B-cell lymphoma, acute myeloid leukaemia and myeloma. With respect to aetiology, several descriptive factors are highlighted and discussed, including the unexplained male predominance evident for most subtypes across all ages.
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513
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Seedhouse C, Grundy M, Shang S, Ronan J, Pimblett H, Russell N, Pallis M. Impaired S-phase arrest in acute myeloid leukemia cells with a FLT3 internal tandem duplication treated with clofarabine. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:7291-8. [PMID: 19934300 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-1222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Acute myeloid leukemia cells with an internal tandem duplication mutation of FLT3 (FLT3-ITD) have effective DNA repair mechanisms on exposure to drugs. Despite this, the phenotype is not associated with primary resistant disease. We show defects in the response of mutant FLT3 AML cells to the S-phase drug clofarabine that could account for the apparent contradiction. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We studied responses of AML cells to clofarabine in vitro. RESULTS When treated with a short pulse of clofarabine, FLT3-ITD-harboring MOLM-13 and MV4.11 cells undergo similar damage levels (gammaH2AX foci) to wild-type cells but have a better repair capability than wild-type cells. However, whereas the wild-type cells undergo rapid S-phase arrest, the S-phase checkpoint fails in mutant cells. Cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage in S phase is effected via loss of the transcriptional regulator cdc25A. This loss is reduced or absent in clofarabine-treated FLT3 mutant cells. Furthermore, cdc25A message levels are maintained by the FLT3-ITD, such that message is reduced by 87.5% on exposure to FLT3 small interfering RNA. Primary FLT3-ITD samples from untreated patients also display impaired cell cycle arrest and show enhanced sensitivity on prolonged treatment with clofarabine compared with wild-type samples. CONCLUSION There is a reversal of phenotype in mutant FLT3 cells dependent on the length of exposure to clofarabine. Efficient DNA repair may render the cells resistant to a short pulse of the drug, but a failure of cell cycle checkpoint(s) in S phase renders the cells sensitive to prolonged exposure.
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514
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Falini B, Sportoletti P, Martelli MP. Acute myeloid leukemia with mutated NPM1: diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic perspectives. Curr Opin Oncol 2009; 21:573-81. [DOI: 10.1097/cco.0b013e3283313dfa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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515
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Buccisano F, Maurillo L, Spagnoli A, Principe MID, Ceresoli E, Coco FL, Arcese W, Amadori S, Venditti A. Monitoring of minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia. Curr Opin Oncol 2009; 21:582-8. [DOI: 10.1097/cco.0b013e3283311856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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516
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Larson RA. Micro-RNAs and copy number changes: new levels of gene regulation in acute myeloid leukemia. Chem Biol Interact 2009; 184:21-5. [PMID: 19822134 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2009.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 10/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Alkylating agents, topoisomerase II inhibitors, ionizing radiation, and other hematotoxins induce DNA damage in hematopoietic stem cells that results in lesions such as balanced and unbalanced chromosome rearrangements, -5/del(5q) and/or -7/del(7q), as well as other submicroscopic genetic lesions. Together with epigenetic alterations, these result in dysplasia, clonal expansion, and ultimately myeloid leukemia. Combinations of lesions are required to induce overt leukemia. Altering a small subset of signaling pathways leads to disruption of normal self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptotic mechanisms that control the development of hematopoietic stem cells and their differentiation into mature effector cells. Recent studies have shown that cytogenetically normal (CN-) AML is quite heterogeneous at the molecular level. Patients with CN-AML harboring mutations in NPM1, FLT3, CEBPA, WT1 or expressing high levels of BAALC, ERG, or MN1 have distinctly different clinical outcomes. NPM1 mutations are independently associated with higher remission rates and longer disease-free and overall survival in AML. Copy number alterations (CNAs) are deletions or amplifications of single genes. CNAs have been found at the breakpoints of known chromosomal translocations. Fewer CNAs have been detected in AML than in pediatric ALL. Micro-RNAs (miRs) are non-coding small RNA molecules containing about 22 nucleotides that are typically encoded within introns. They hybridize to complementary mRNA targets and modulate protein expression by inhibiting translation and/or inducing degradation of target messenger RNAs. This new class of genes has recently been shown to play a pivotal role in malignant transformation. miRs are down-regulated in many tumors and thus appear to function as tumor suppressor genes. Distinctive genome-wide miR expression profiles have been associated with different subsets of AML. A miR signature that is associated with clinical outcome in patients with high-risk molecular features of AML (those who have FLT3-ITD or wild-type NPM1) has been reported. This subgroup constitutes approximately 65% of patients with CN-AML and one-third of all patients with AML <60 years old. Down-regulation of the miR-181 family contributes to an aggressive leukemia phenotype through mechanisms associated with the activation of pathways of innate immunity mediated by toll-like receptors and interleukin-1beta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Larson
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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517
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AML with mutated NPM1 carrying a normal or aberrant karyotype show overlapping biologic, pathologic, immunophenotypic, and prognostic features. Blood 2009; 114:3024-32. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-01-197871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with mutated NPM1 usually carries normal karyotype (NK), but it may harbor chromosomal aberrations whose significance remains unclear. We addressed this question in 631 AML patients with mutated/cytoplasmic NPM1. An abnormal karyotype (AK) was present in 93 of 631 cases (14.7%), the most frequent abnormalities being +8, +4, −Y, del(9q), +21. Chromosome aberrations in NPM1-mutated AML were similar to, but occurred less frequently than additional chromosome changes found in other AML with recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities according to WHO classification. Four of the 31 NPM1-mutated AML patients karyotyped at different time points had NK at diagnosis but AK at relapse: del(9q) (n = 2), t(2;11) (n = 1), inv(12) (n = 1). NPM1-mutated AML with NK or AK showed overlapping morphologic, immunophenotypic (CD34 negativity), and gene expression profile (down-regulation of CD34 and up-regulation of HOX genes). No difference in survival was observed among NPM1-mutated AML patients independently of whether they carried a NK or an AK, the NPM1-mutated/FLT3-ITD negative cases showing the better prognosis. Findings in our patients point to chromosomal aberrations as secondary events, reinforce the concept that NPM1 mutation is a founder genetic lesion, and indicate that NPM1-mutated AML should be clinically handled as one entity, irrespective of the karyotype.
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518
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Pekova S, Ivanek R, Dvorak M, Rueggeberg S, Leicht S, Li X, Franz T, Kozak T, Vrba J, Koza V, Karas M, Schwarz J, Cetkovsky P, Prucha M. Molecular variability of FLT3/ITD mutants and their impact on the differentiation program of 32D cells: Implications for the biological properties of AML blasts. Leuk Res 2009; 33:1409-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2009.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2008] [Revised: 01/05/2009] [Accepted: 01/06/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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519
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Seedhouse CH, Pallis M, Grundy M, Shang S, Russell NH. FLT3-ITD expression levels and their effect on STAT5 in AML with and without NPM mutations. Br J Haematol 2009; 147:653-61. [PMID: 19775300 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2009.07901.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
FLT3-internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations are heterogeneous with regards to length and proportion of DNA harbouring the mutation and the expression level of FLT3 also varies widely, however very little is known about the biological effects of these variables. We studied FLT3-associated biological parameters in 322 acute myeloid leukaemia samples to establish their importance. Expression of total FLT3 transcripts was shown to be significantly higher in the FLT3-ITD cohort (n = 121) compared to the wild-type cohort (P = 0.004). Whilst phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (phospho-STAT5) was not confined to FLT3-ITD samples, within the FLT3-ITD group phosphorylation correlated with adjusted FLT3-ITD levels assessed by determining the total transcripts and proportion of FLT3-ITD within a sample. Expression of the STAT5 downstream target Bcl-xl (an isoform of BCL2L1) was strongly correlated with FLT3 total and adjusted FLT3-ITD levels in FLT3-ITD samples (P < 0.001), however there was no association between Bcl-xl and phospho-STAT5 levels suggesting that STAT5 is not the sole regulator of Bcl-xl in FLT3-ITD cells. We further stratified our cohort by the presence/absence of a cytoplasmic nucleophosmin NPMc+ mutation. Samples co-expressing NPMc+ had longer FLT3-ITD mutations (P = 0.01) and there was a high occurrence of NPMc+ in samples that had >1 FLT3-ITD mutation. Phospho-STAT5 levels were reduced in the FLT3-ITD/NPMc+ group (P = 0.04) suggesting that NPMc+ may oppose the FLT3-ITD-dependent activation of STAT5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire H Seedhouse
- Department of Academic Haematology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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520
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In recent years, new molecular markers have emerged as significant prognostic parameters and as potential targets for molecularly targeted therapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, prognostic markers cannot guide the decision for a specific treatment, as they are associated with a differential outcome regardless of the given treatment. In contrast, predictive markers indicate a treatment benefit in patients that are characterized through these markers. Thus, predictive markers can guide clinical decision-making. RECENT FINDINGS In young adults, mutations of the nucleophosmin (gene 9NPM1) in the absence of concurrent FLT3-internal tandem duplication (ITD) (FLT3-ITD) have impressive prognostic and, beyond prognostication, predictive properties. This NPM1/FLT3-ITD genotype predicts equivalent favorable outcome after intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, whereas in the absence of this marker clinical outcome was significantly improved after an allogeneic transplantation. In addition, within a retrospective study performed on older adults, the same genotype predicted a significantly improved outcome if all-trans retinoic acid was added to intensive chemotherapy. SUMMARY The discovery of new prognostic and predictive markers has increased our understanding of leukemogenesis and this may lead to improved prognostication and, more important, to novel genotype-specific treatment strategies.
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521
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AC220 is a uniquely potent and selective inhibitor of FLT3 for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Blood 2009; 114:2984-92. [PMID: 19654408 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-05-222034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 461] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase FLT3 are present in up to approximately 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, implicating FLT3 as a driver of the disease and therefore as a target for therapy. We report the characterization of AC220, a second-generation FLT3 inhibitor, and a comparison of AC220 with the first-generation FLT3 inhibitors CEP-701, MLN-518, PKC-412, sorafenib, and sunitinib. AC220 exhibits low nanomolar potency in biochemical and cellular assays and exceptional kinase selectivity, and in animal models is efficacious at doses as low as 1 mg/kg given orally once daily. The data reveal that the combination of excellent potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties is unique to AC220, which therefore is the first drug candidate with a profile that matches the characteristics desirable for a clinical FLT3 inhibitor.
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522
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High Id1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in 237 patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2009; 114:2993-3000. [PMID: 19643984 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-05-223115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of differentiation (Id) are a group of dominant inhibitors of basic helix-loop-helix transcriptional factors, which promote excessive proliferation, and also protect cells against drug-induced apoptosis in mammalians. Recently, Id1 has been identified as a common downstream target of several constitutively activated oncogenic tyrosine kinase, such as FLT3 internal tandem duplication, in leukemia cells. We analyzed Id1 expression as possible prognostic factor in 237 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. High Id1 expression was associated with older age (P = .009) and with FLT3 internal tandem duplication (P = .003). However, 61% of the patients in the group of FLT3(-) AML were Id1(+), suggesting that other tyrosine kinases are involved. In whole population, high Id1 expression independently predicted shorter disease-free survival (P = .05) and overall survival (P = .003). In young patients (age <OR= 60 years) with normal cytogenetics, Id1(+) was, in multivariate analysis, associated with lower complete remission rates (P = .02), shorter disease-free survival (P = .02), and overall survival (P = .006). In conclusion, our data provide a new molecular marker for refining the risk classification of AML, especially in young patients with normal cytogenetic. Id1(-) patients with normal cytogenetic should be classified as favorable-risk leukemia. Id1, as a downstream target of constitutively activated tyrosine kinase, could be a suitable candidate for targeted therapy.
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523
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Insertion of FLT3 internal tandem duplication in the tyrosine kinase domain-1 is associated with resistance to chemotherapy and inferior outcome. Blood 2009; 114:2386-92. [PMID: 19602710 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-03-209999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate internal tandem duplication (ITD) insertion sites and length as well as their clinical impact in younger adult patients with FLT3-ITD-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML), sequencing after DNA-based amplification was performed in diagnostic samples from 241 FLT3-ITD-mutated patients. All patients were treated on 3 German-Austrian AML Study Group protocols. Thirty-four of the 241 patients had more than 1 ITD, leading to a total of 282 ITDs; the median ITD length was 48 nucleotides (range, 15-180 nucleotides). ITD integration sites were categorized according to functional regions of the FLT3 receptor: juxtamembrane domain (JMD), n = 148; JMD hinge region, n = 48; beta1-sheet of the tyrosine kinase domain-1 (TKD1), n = 73; remaining TKD1 region, n = 13. ITD length was strongly correlated with functional regions (P < .001). In multivariable analyses, ITD integration site in the beta1-sheet was identified as an unfavorable prognostic factor for achievement of a complete remission (odds ratio, 0.22; P = .01), relapse-free survival (hazard ratio, 1.86; P < .001), and overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.59; P = .008). ITD insertion site in the beta1-sheet appears to be an important unfavorable prognostic factor in young adult patients with FLT3-ITD-positive AML. The clinical trials described herein have been registered as follows: AML HD93 (already published in 2003), AML HD98A (NCT00146120; http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov), and AMLSG 07-04 (NCT00151242; http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov).
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524
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Minimal residual disease levels assessed by NPM1 mutation-specific RQ-PCR provide important prognostic information in AML. Blood 2009; 114:2220-31. [PMID: 19587375 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-03-213389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleophosmin (NPM1)-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is recognized as a provisional entity in the World Health Organization 2008 classification of myeloid neoplasms, accounts for 30% of AML. We analyzed 1227 diagnostic and follow-up samples in 252 NPM1-mutated AML patients with 17 different NPM1 mutation-specific real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) assays. Paired diagnostic/relapse samples of 84 patients revealed stable NPM1 mutations in all cases, suggesting that they are pathogenetically early events and thus applicable for minimal residual disease detection. A total of 47 relapses were predictable because of an NPM1 mutation level (%NPM1/ABL1) increase of at least 1 log or in 15 cases because of NPM1 mutation levels not decreasing less than 3 log ranges. A high prognostic value of NPM1 levels was shown for 4 different intervals after therapy was initiated. Furthermore, thresholds of 0.1 and 0.01%NPM1/ABL1 during/after treatment discriminated between prognostic subgroups. Univariate analyses, including age, white blood cell count, blast count, CD34 positivity, FLT3 mutations status, FAB type, karyotype, NPM1 mutation type, and pretreatment NPM1 mutational level, showed that, besides NPM1 mutation level, only age and FLT3-LM mutation status were prognostically significant for EFS. Multivariate analysis, including age, FLT3-LM status, and NPM1 mutation level at different time points, demonstrated that NPM1 level was the most relevant prognostic factor during first-line treatment. Similar results were obtained in patients undergoing second-line chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
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525
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Meshinchi S, Appelbaum FR. Structural and functional alterations of FLT3 in acute myeloid leukemia. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:4263-9. [PMID: 19549778 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is highly regulated through cytokine-induced stimulation of multiple signal transduction pathways in order to mediate appropriate differentiation and proliferation of specific progenitor populations. Ligand-induced stimulation of the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) leads to activation of multiple downstream effector pathways resulting in differentiation and proliferation of specific progenitor cell populations. Genomic alterations of the FLT3 gene, including FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3/ITD) and FLT3 activation loop mutation (FLT3/ALM) lead to autonomous receptor activation, dysregulation of FLT3 signal transduction pathways, contribute to myeloid pathogenesis, and have been linked to response to therapy and clinical outcome. Exploring the mechanisms by which these FLT3 alterations lead to dysregulated proliferation should provide a better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and may provide insights into potential therapeutic interventions. FLT3 inhibitors are under evaluation for their efficacy in AML patients with FLT3 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheil Meshinchi
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA.
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526
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Falini B, Bolli N, Liso A, Martelli MP, Mannucci R, Pileri S, Nicoletti I. Altered nucleophosmin transport in acute myeloid leukaemia with mutated NPM1: molecular basis and clinical implications. Leukemia 2009; 23:1731-43. [PMID: 19516275 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2009.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nucleophosmin (NPM1) is a highly conserved nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling protein that shows a restricted nucleolar localization. Mutations of NPM1 gene leading to aberrant cytoplasmic dislocation of nucleophosmin (NPMc+) occurs in about one third of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients that exhibit distinctive biological and clinical features. We discuss the latest advances in the molecular basis of nucleophosmin traffic under physiological conditions, describe the molecular abnormalities underlying altered transport of nucleophosmin in NPM1-mutated AML and present evidences supporting the view that cytoplasmic nucleophosmin is a critical event for leukaemogenesis. We then outline how a highly specific immunohistochemical assay can be exploited to diagnose NPM1-mutated AML and myeloid sarcoma in paraffin-embedded samples by looking at aberrant nucleophosmin accumulation in cytoplasm of leukaemic cells. This procedure is also suitable for detection of haemopoietic multilineage involvement in bone marrow trephines. Moreover, use of immunohistochemistry as surrogate for molecular analysis can serve as first-line screening in AML and should facilitate implementation of the 2008 World Health Organization classification of myeloid neoplasms that now incorporates AML with mutated NPM1 (synonym: NPMc+ AML) as a new provisional entity. Finally, we discuss the future therapeutic perspectives aimed at reversing the altered nucleophosmin transport in AML with mutated NPM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Falini
- The Institute of Haematology, University of Perugia, IBiT Foundation, Fondazione IRCCS Biotecnologie nel Trapianto, Perugia, Italy.
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527
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528
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Meloni G, Mancini M, Gianfelici V, Martelli MP, Foa R, Falini B. Late relapse of acute myeloid leukemia with mutated NPM1 after eight years: evidence of NPM1 mutation stability. Haematologica 2009; 94:298-300. [PMID: 19181793 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2008.000059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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529
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Watanabe-Okochi N, Oki T, Komeno Y, Kato N, Yuji K, Ono R, Harada Y, Harada H, Hayashi Y, Nakajima H, Nosaka T, Kitaura J, Kitamura T. Possible involvement of RasGRP4 in leukemogenesis. Int J Hematol 2009; 89:470-481. [DOI: 10.1007/s12185-009-0299-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2009] [Revised: 02/24/2009] [Accepted: 03/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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530
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Koh Y, Park J, Ahn KS, Kim I, Bang SM, Lee JH, Yoon SS, Soon Lee D, Yiul Lee Y, Park S, Kim BK. Different clinical importance of FLT3 internal tandem duplications in AML according to FAB classification: possible existence of distinct leukemogenesis involving monocyte differentiation pathway. Ann Hematol 2009; 88:1089-97. [PMID: 19296110 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-009-0733-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2008] [Accepted: 03/05/2009] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Impact of FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase activation via internal tandem duplication (ITD) of the juxtamembrane region on outcome of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still controversial. Recent researches reveal a role of FLT3 in monocyte differentiation in hematopoiesis. We analyzed the clinical impact of FLT3 alterations in adult AML patients excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) who received induction chemotherapy according to morphologic classification. Retrospective review of medical records from three centers in Korea between 1997 and 2007 was performed. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on genomic DNA derived from blood samples of patients before induction chemotherapy for FLT3-ITD detection. We assessed overall survival (OS), first disease-free survival (1-DFS), and response to induction chemotherapy. One hundred eighty-four patients (median age 49.1 years, range 16.0-76.5) with AML excluding APL received induction chemotherapy from three centers. FLT3-ITD was detected in 22 patients. One hundred forty-one patients were below age 60. One hundred seventy-nine patients received induction chemotherapy with cytarabine and idarubicin (AId) regimen. One hundred nineteen patients achieved complete remission (CR) after first induction chemotherapy. FLT3-ITD was not related to achievement of CR. 1-DFS was longer in patients without FLT3-ITD (median 1-DFS 16.5 vs. 8.5 months, p = 0.025). 1-DFS was not different according to FLT3-ITD status in nonmonocyte lineage leukemia (p = 0.355), while 1-DFS was shorter in monocyte lineage leukemia for FLT3-ITD positive patients (20.9 vs. 2.4 months, p < 0.001). FLT3-ITD had no impact on OS except for monocyte lineage, where OS was significantly shorter in FLT3-ITD positive group (39.4 vs. 6.0 months, p = 0.026). Moreover FLT3-ITD was stronger prognostic factors in monocyte lineage AML than risk stratification based on cytogenetics. Status of FLT3-ITD should be analyzed differently in AML patients according to morphologic profile. FLT3-ITD is a predictive and prognostic marker only in monocyte lineage patients. This result suggests an existence of distinct subset of monocyte lineage AML with leukemogenesis involving FLT3 activating pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngil Koh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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531
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Medeiros BC. Role of CEBPA in normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia. J Clin Oncol 2009; 27:2105; author reply 2106. [PMID: 19273693 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2008.21.5418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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532
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Øyan AM, Anensen N, Bø TH, Stordrange L, Jonassen I, Bruserud Ø, Kalland KH, Gjertsen BT. Genes of cell-cell interactions, chemotherapy detoxification and apoptosis are induced during chemotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia. BMC Cancer 2009; 9:77. [PMID: 19265549 PMCID: PMC2673224 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-9-77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2008] [Accepted: 03/05/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The molecular changes in vivo in acute myeloid leukemia cells early after start of conventional genotoxic chemotherapy are incompletely understood, and it is not known if early molecular modulations reflect clinical response. Methods The gene expression was examined by whole genome 44 k oligo microarrays and 12 k cDNA microarrays in peripheral blood leukocytes collected from seven leukemia patients before treatment, 2–4 h and 18–24 h after start of chemotherapy and validated by real-time quantitative PCR. Statistically significantly upregulated genes were classified using gene ontology (GO) terms. Parallel samples were examined by flow cytometry for apoptosis by annexin V-binding and the expression of selected proteins were confirmed by immunoblotting. Results Significant differential modulation of 151 genes were found at 4 h after start of induction therapy with cytarabine and anthracycline, including significant overexpression of 31 genes associated with p53 regulation. Within 4 h of chemotherapy the BCL2/BAX and BCL2/PUMA ratio were attenuated in proapoptotic direction. FLT3 mutations indicated that non-responders (5/7 patients, 8 versus 49 months survival) are characterized by a unique gene response profile before and at 4 h. At 18–24 h after chemotherapy, the gene expression of p53 target genes was attenuated, while genes involved in chemoresistance, cytarabine detoxification, chemokine networks and T cell receptor were prominent. No signs of apoptosis were observed in the collected cells, suggesting the treated patients as a physiological source of pre-apoptotic cells. Conclusion Pre-apoptotic gene expression can be monitored within hours after start of chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, and may be useful in future determination of therapy responders. The low number of patients and the heterogeneity of acute myeloid leukemia limited the identification of gene expression predictive of therapy response. Therapy-induced gene expression reflects the complex biological processes involved in clinical cancer cell eradication and should be explored for future enhancement of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Margrete Øyan
- Institute of Medicine, Hematology Section, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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533
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Abstract
AbstractOver the last three decades there have been dramatic advances in deciphering the cytogenetic and molecular lesions underlying the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These have not only afforded greater insights into disease biology, but also provided useful information predicting the likelihood of any given patient achieving and maintaining remission following conventional chemotherapy, leading to the development of risk-stratified treatment approaches. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that AML is highly heterogeneous at the molecular level. Defining the individual genetic abnormalities or combinations of markers that provide significant independent prognostic information and establishing their respective relationships to other pre-treatment characteristics that impact on outcome, such as age and presenting white blood cell count, presents a major ongoing challenge. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that risk of relapse and overall survival can be predicted by assessment of kinetics and depth of response following front-line therapy and monitoring of the leukemic burden using molecular or immunological approaches to minimal residual disease (MRD) detection. These advances present the exciting prospect that panels of pre-treatment parameters affording independent prognostic information can be integrated with precise measurement of treatment response using MRD technologies to provide greater refinement in risk-adapted management of AML. This could lead to further improvements in outcome and serve to identify in a more reliable fashion those patients most likely to benefit from allogeneic transplant in first remission.
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534
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Grosjean-Raillard J, Tailler M, Adès L, Perfettini JL, Fabre C, Braun T, De Botton S, Fenaux P, Kroemer G. ATM mediates constitutive NF-kappaB activation in high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia. Oncogene 2008; 28:1099-109. [PMID: 19079347 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2008.457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The anti-apoptotic transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is constitutively activated in CD34(+) myeloblasts from high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Inhibition of NF-kappaB by suppressing the canonical NF-kappaB activation pathway, for instance by knockdown of the three subunits of the inhibitor of NF-kappaB (I kappaB) kinase (IKK) complex (IKK1, IKK2 and NEMO) triggers apoptosis in such cells. Here, we show that an MDS/AML model cell line exhibits a constitutive interaction, within the nucleus, of activated, S1981-phosphorylated ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) with NEMO. Inhibition of ATM with two distinct pharmacological inhibitors suppressed the activating autophosphorylation of ATM, blocked the interaction of ATM and NEMO, delocalized NEMO as well as another putative NF-kappaB activator, PIDD, from the nucleus, abolished the activating phosphorylation of the catalytic proteins of the IKK complex (IKK1/2 on serines 176/180), enhanced the expression of I kappaB alpha and caused the relocalization of NF-kappaB from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, followed by apoptosis. Knockdown of ATM with small-interfering RNAs had a similar effect that could not be enhanced by knockdown of NEMO, PIDD and the p65 NF-kappaB subunit, suggesting that an ATM inhibition/depletion truly induced apoptosis through inhibition of the NF-kappaB system. Pharmacological inhibition of ATM also induced the nucleocytoplasmic relocalization of p65 in malignant myeloblasts purified from patients with high-risk MDS or AML, correlating with the induction of apoptosis. Altogether, these results support the contention that constitutively active ATM accounts for the activation of NF-kappaB in high-risk MDS and AML.
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535
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Büchner T, Berdel WE, Haferlach C, Haferlach T, Schnittger S, Müller-Tidow C, Braess J, Spiekermann K, Kienast J, Staib P, Grüneisen A, Kern W, Reichle A, Maschmeyer G, Aul C, Lengfelder E, Sauerland MC, Heinecke A, Wörmann B, Hiddemann W. Age-related risk profile and chemotherapy dose response in acute myeloid leukemia: a study by the German Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cooperative Group. J Clin Oncol 2008; 27:61-9. [PMID: 19047294 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.15.4245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to assess the contribution of age and disease variables to the outcome of untreated patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving varying intensive induction chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients 16 to 85 years of age with primary AML, known karyotype, and uniform postremission chemotherapy enrolled onto two consecutive trials were eligible and were randomly assigned to induction either with a standard-dose (cytarabine, daunorubicin, and 6-thioguanine) and a high-dose (cytarabine and mitoxantrone) combination, or with two courses of the high-dose combination. Subgroups were defined by karyotype, nucleophosmin and FLT3 mutation, WBC count, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and residual blasts. RESULTS In 1,284 patients, the overall survival at 4 years in those younger and older than 60 years was 37% versus 16% (P < .001) and the ongoing remission duration was 46% versus 22% (P < .001). Similar age-related differences in outcome were found for all defined subgroups. No difference in outcome according to randomly assigned treatment regimen was observed in any age group or prognostic subset. Regarding prognostic subgroups, molecular factors were also considered. CONCLUSION Under harmonized conditions, older and younger patients with AML show modest differences in their risk profiles and equally no dose response to intensified chemotherapy. Their observed fundamental difference in outcome across all subgroups remains unexplained. Further molecular investigation may elucidate the age effect in AML and identify new targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Büchner
- University of Münster, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Münster, Germany.
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536
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537
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A pharmacodynamic study of the FLT3 inhibitor KW-2449 yields insight into the basis for clinical response. Blood 2008; 113:3938-46. [PMID: 19029442 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-09-177030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Internal tandem duplication mutations of FLT3 (FLT3/ITD mutations) are common in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and confer a poor prognosis. This would suggest that FLT3 is an ideal therapeutic target, but FLT3 targeted therapy has produced only modest benefits in clinical trials. Due to technical obstacles, the assessment of target inhibition in patients treated with FLT3 inhibitors has been limited and generally only qualitative. KW-2449 is a novel multitargeted kinase inhibitor that induces cytotoxicity in Molm14 cells (which harbor an FLT3/ITD mutation). The cytotoxic effect occurs primarily at concentrations sufficient to inhibit FLT3 autophosphorylation to less than 20% of its baseline. We report here correlative data from a phase 1 trial of KW-2449, a trial in which typical transient reductions in the peripheral blast counts were observed. Using quantitative measurement of FLT3 inhibition over time in these patients, we confirmed that FLT3 was inhibited, but only transiently to less than 20% of baseline. Our results suggest that the failure to fully inhibit FLT3 in sustained fashion may be an underlying reason for the minimal success of FLT3 inhibitors to date, and stress the importance of confirming in vivo target inhibition when taking a targeted agent into the clinical setting.
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538
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Hollink IHIM, Zwaan CM, Zimmermann M, Arentsen-Peters TCJM, Pieters R, Cloos J, Kaspers GJL, de Graaf SSN, Harbott J, Creutzig U, Reinhardt D, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Thiede C. Favorable prognostic impact of NPM1 gene mutations in childhood acute myeloid leukemia, with emphasis on cytogenetically normal AML. Leukemia 2008; 23:262-70. [DOI: 10.1038/leu.2008.313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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539
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Radich JP. Molecular Classification of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Are We There Yet? J Clin Oncol 2008; 26:4539-41. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2008.16.4293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jerald P. Radich
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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Gaidzik V, Döhner K. Prognostic implications of gene mutations in acute myeloid leukemia with normal cytogenetics. Semin Oncol 2008; 35:346-55. [PMID: 18692685 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2008.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, a number of somatically acquired mutational changes have been identified in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Most of these genetic alterations occur in AML exhibiting a normal karyotype, representing the largest cytogenetic subgroup (40%-50%) of AML. These molecular findings not only provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of AML but also are of clinical importance. In this review we will discuss the most relevant gene alterations, including NPM1 gene mutations, internal tandem duplications (ITD) or tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations of the FLT3 gene, CEBPA gene mutations, and partial tandem duplications (PTD) of the MLL gene, as well as mutations in the NRAS and WT1 genes. In part, these gene mutations have emerged as important prognostic markers and they now allow us to dissect cytogenetically normal (CN)-AML in distinct prognostic subgroups. Furthermore, these mutant molecules represent potential targets for molecular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Gaidzik
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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541
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An 86-probe-set gene-expression signature predicts survival in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2008; 112:4193-201. [PMID: 18716133 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-02-134411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) show heterogeneous treatment outcomes. We used gene-expression profiling to develop a gene signature that predicts overall survival (OS) in CN-AML. Based on data from 163 patients treated in the German AMLCG 1999 trial and analyzed on oligonucleotide microarrays, we used supervised principal component analysis to identify 86 probe sets (representing 66 different genes), which correlated with OS, and defined a prognostic score based on this signature. When applied to an independent cohort of 79 CN-AML patients, this continuous score remained a significant predictor for OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.85; P = .002), event-free survival (HR = 1.73; P = .001), and relapse-free survival (HR = 1.76; P = .025). It kept its prognostic value in multivariate analyses adjusting for age, FLT3 ITD, and NPM1 status. In a validation cohort of 64 CN-AML patients treated on CALGB study 9621, the score also predicted OS (HR = 4.11; P < .001), event-free survival (HR = 2.90; P < .001), and relapse-free survival (HR = 3.14, P < .001) and retained its significance in a multivariate model for OS. In summary, we present a novel gene-expression signature that offers additional prognostic information for patients with CN-AML.
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542
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Green C, Linch DC, Gale RE. Most acute myeloid leukaemia patients with intermediate mutantFLT3ITD levels do not have detectable bi-allelic disease, indicating that heterozygous disease alone is associated with an adverse outcome. Br J Haematol 2008; 142:423-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07196.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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543
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Conflicting data on the prognostic significance of FLT3/TKD mutations in acute myeloid leukemia might be related to the incidence of biallelic disease. Blood 2008; 112:444-5; author reply 445. [PMID: 18606888 PMCID: PMC2481522 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2008-02-140392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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544
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Bowen D, Groves MJ, Burnett AK, Patel Y, Allen C, Green C, Gale RE, Hills R, Linch DC. TP53 gene mutation is frequent in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and complex karyotype, and is associated with very poor prognosis. Leukemia 2008; 23:203-6. [DOI: 10.1038/leu.2008.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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545
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Virappane P, Gale R, Hills R, Kakkas I, Summers K, Stevens J, Allen C, Green C, Quentmeier H, Drexler H, Burnett A, Linch D, Bonnet D, Lister TA, Fitzgibbon J. Mutation of the Wilms' tumor 1 gene is a poor prognostic factor associated with chemotherapy resistance in normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia: the United Kingdom Medical Research Council Adult Leukaemia Working Party. J Clin Oncol 2008; 26:5429-35. [PMID: 18591546 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2008.16.0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the clinical relevance of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) gene mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with normal karyotype (NK). PATIENTS AND METHODS Exons 7 and 9 of WT1 were screened in samples from 470 young adult NK AMLs using a combination of direct sequencing and high-resolution capillary electrophoresis. RESULTS Overall, 51 mutations were detected in 47 cases (10%): 46 frameshift mutations with insertion/deletion of one to 28 base pairs in exon 7 (n = 45) or exon 9 (n = 1), with a median mutant level of 45% (range, 8% to 86%), and five substitutions in exon 9: D396N (n = 3), H397Y (n = 1) and H397Q (n = 1). Patients with WT1 mutations had an inferior response to induction chemotherapy compared with wild-type cases (complete remission rate, 79% v 90%, odds ratio [OR] = 3.02; 95% CI, 1.17 to 7.82; P = .02), a higher rate of resistant disease (15% v 4%; OR = 9.33; 95% CI, 2.38 to 36.6; P = .001), an increased cumulative incidence of relapse (67% v 43%, hazard ratio [HR] = 3.02; 95% CI, 1.69 to 5.38; P = .0008), with a reduction in both relapse-free survival (22% v 44%; HR = 2.16; 95% CI, 1.32 to 3.55; P = .005) and overall survival (26% v 47%; HR = 1.91; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.95; P = .007) at 5 years. In multivariate analysis, which included FLT3 internal tandem duplication and NPM1 mutation status, the presence of a WT1 mutation remained an independent adverse prognostic factor. CONCLUSION WT1 mutations are a negative prognostic indicator in NK AML and may be suitable for the development of targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Virappane
- Centre for Medical Oncology, Institute of Cancer, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Charterhouse Square, London, UK
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546
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Wertheim G, Bagg A. Nucleophosmin (NPM1) mutations in acute myeloid leukemia: an ongoing (cytoplasmic) tale of dueling mutations and duality of molecular genetic testing methodologies. J Mol Diagn 2008; 10:198-202. [PMID: 18403611 DOI: 10.2353/jmoldx.2008.080019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Wertheim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA
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547
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Abstract
FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3/ITD) is a common somatic mutation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with significant variation in the position, length, and number of duplications of the FLT3 gene. We evaluated these physical characteristics in FLT3/ITD-positive patients who were treated on CCG-2941/2961 and correlated them with clinical outcome. Fiftynine of 77 FLT3/ITD-positive patients (77%) had a single ITD, 16 (21%) had 2 ITDs, and 2 (3%) had 3 ITDs. The length of the duplicated region varied from 6 to 51 amino acids, and in all cases amino acid residues Y591-Y597 were duplicated. Structural analysis demonstrated that Y591-Y597 encodes the switch and zipper regions of the juxtamembrane domain of FLT3. In addition, 24 of 77 patients (31%) had duplication of the critical STAT5 docking sites Y589/591. Patients with longer ITDs had a worse relapse-free survival (19% vs 51%, P = .035), while the presence of more than 1 ITD was not clinically significant. Physical characteristics including the length of FLT3/ITD may influence FLT3 activation state by altering its structure and may impact response to therapy.
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