Rates of complete diagnostic testing for patients with acute myeloid leukemia

In addition to cytogenetics, additional molecular markers of prognosis have been identified and incorporated into the management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We hypothesized that rates of molecular testing would be higher in an academic center versus community sites. A retrospective chart review included all de novo AML patients (excluding M3) at Kansas University Medical Center (KUMC) from January 2008 through April 2013. Records were evaluated for completeness of molecular testing as indicated by karyotype (FLT3, CEBPα, NPM1 in normal cytogenetics AML and c-KIT in core binding factor [CBF] AML). 271 charts were reviewed: 98 with CN-AML and 29 with CBF AML. Seventy were diagnosed at KUMC, 57 at a community site. Molecular testing was sent in 76/98 (77%) patients with CN-AML. Patients diagnosed at KUMC had a significantly higher rate of molecular testing (51/55, 93%) as compared to those diagnosed at outside centers (18/43, 41%) (P < 0.001). Of 29 patients with CBF AML, c-kit mutational analysis was performed more frequently at KUMC (14/15, 93%) than in community sites (8/14, 57%) (P = 0.035). There was a trend towards increased testing at both KUMC and community sites in later years. Rates of molecular testing in AML were higher in an academic center versus community sites in the 5 years following the World Health Organization revised classification of AML. All physicians who diagnose and treat AML must remain up to date on the latest recommendations and controversies in molecular testing in order to appropriately risk stratify patients and determine optimal therapy.