Risk stratification and emerging treatment strategies in acute myeloid leukemia

Two major prognostic factors for outcomes with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapy center on cytogenetic/molecular markers and patient age. With the paucity of novel agents available for the treatment of AML, clinicians are forced to fine-tune existing treatment strategies based on risk status to achieve the best results. Dr. Margaret R. O'Donnell of the City of Hope Cancer Center explored the prognostic implications of molecular mutations and other risk factors in the treatment of AML and presented an update of the current treatment strategies, sharing relevant clinical trial data on which recommendations are based. She also provided a glimpse of a novel non-chemotherapy approach to acute promyelocytic leukemia, which has had a major impact on treatment guidelines for this hematologic malignancy.