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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Comet Assay to Quantify DNA Damage in FLT3 Mutant-expressing 32D Cells after Exposure to Type I and Type II FLT3 Inhibitors
Published on: October 17, 2025
Lestaurtinib: a multi-targeted FLT3 inhibitor
1Department of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, 1650 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
Abstract:
Internal tandem duplication mutations of FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) have been associated with poor outcomes in acute myelogenous leukemia. Over the course of the last several years, multiple agents have been developed and studied as potential inhibitors of FLT3 with the hope of providing clinical benefit for these patients. Lestaurtinib, a multi-targeted indolocarbazole derivative that potently inhibits FLT3 autophosphorylation in vitro, has been the most extensively studied agent in clinical trials to date. Multiple late-phase trials are underway to study this agent in adult and pediatric leukemia. This article will summarize the historical development of the pharmacology of lestaurtinib, as well as the ongoing investigation of the agent in preclinical and clinical studies.
Insights
Internal tandem duplications in FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) impact acute myelogenous leukemia outcomes. Lestaurtinib, an FLT3 inhibitor, is being investigated in ongoing clinical trials for leukemia treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Internal tandem duplications (ITDs) in FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) are linked to poor prognosis in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
- Targeting FLT3 is a key strategy for improving outcomes in AML patients with FLT3 mutations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the pharmacological development of lestaurtinib, a potent FLT3 inhibitor.
- To review the preclinical and clinical investigations of lestaurtinib in leukemia.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical development and pharmacological properties of lestaurtinib.
- Summary of preclinical data and ongoing clinical trial findings for lestaurtinib in AML.
Main Results:
- Lestaurtinib is a multi-targeted indolocarbazole derivative with potent in vitro FLT3 autophosphorylation inhibition.
- Lestaurtinib has been extensively studied in clinical trials, with multiple late-phase trials ongoing.
Conclusions:
- Lestaurtinib represents a significant therapeutic candidate for AML patients with FLT3 mutations.
- Ongoing clinical studies will further define the role and efficacy of lestaurtinib in treating adult and pediatric leukemia.
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