Gilteritinib in the management of acute myeloid leukemia: Current evidence and future directions

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is defined as a highly progressive heterogeneous hematologic malignancy characterized by loss of differentiation with uncontrolled proliferation of progenitor cells. 5-year overall survival rates are as low as 5-10% in adults above 60 years. Until recently, available treatment options for AML had remained mainly unchanged. Along with the development and usage of new generation drugs, novel therapeutic options in various settings began to alter the prognosis of the disease. FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), a receptor largely expressed in myeloid progenitors, is thought to have a major role in the differentiation and maturation of hematopoietic precursors. Thus, aiming the inhibition of this pathway is gaining profound importance day by day. This review mainly focuses on the FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib and its utilization in patients with AML. Current data from the most recent trials concerning gilteritinib and new advances are also discussed here.