The Development of FLT3 Inhibitors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

FLT3 mutations, generally associated with a poor prognosis, are found in approximately one-third of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and represent an attractive therapeutic target. FLT3 inhibitors undergoing clinical evaluation include first-generation relatively non-specific small molecules and second-generation compounds with higher potency and selectivity against mutant FLT3. Recently presented results from a prospective randomized clinical trial will likely lead to a change in the standard of care for younger patients with FLT3-mutated AML: addition of the multi-targeted FLT3 inhibitor midostaurin to standard induction and consolidation chemotherapy. Thus, personalized therapies for this subset of AML will soon be possible.