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Updated: May 15, 2026
09:01
Flow Cytometry to Estimate Leukemia Stem Cells in Primary Acute Myeloid Leukemia and in Patient-derived-xenografts, at Diagnosis and Follow Up
Published on: March 26, 2018
Is acute myeloid leukemia a liquid tumor?
Maro Ohanian1, Stefan Faderl, Farhad Ravandi
1Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
International Journal of Cancer
|January 3, 2013
Summary
Extramedullary leukemia (EML) can occur with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), even during remission. Further research is needed to understand its frequency, characteristics, and implications for patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pathobiology
Background:
- Extramedullary manifestations of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been documented since the 19th century.
- However, the incidence, clinical significance, and pathobiology of extramedullary AML (EML) remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency, characteristics, clinical presentation, and significance of extramedullary leukemia (EML).
- To review existing literature on EML, including case reports, retrospective series, pilot studies, and imaging studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of case reports, retrospective case series, pilot studies, and imaging studies.
- Analysis of reported incidence rates and diagnostic techniques for EML.
Main Results:
- EML can precede, accompany, or occur after AML treatment, even during remission.
- Estimated incidence of EML in all AML patients is approximately 9%, with higher rates (40%) in children at diagnosis.
- Combined positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) are sensitive for detecting and monitoring EML.
Conclusions:
- The frequency of EML is likely underreported, and AML can present as a solid tumor.
- Further prospective studies are warranted to investigate EML detection, characterization, and its role in minimal residual disease and relapse.
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