Allo-HSCT Might Improve Long-Term Survival in Patients with CD56-Positive AML

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Stem Cell Transplantation

Background:

• CD56-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a distinct subtype with potential prognostic implications.
• The role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in improving outcomes for CD56-positive AML remains an area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of allo-HSCT in enhancing long-term survival for patients diagnosed with CD56-positive AML.
• To compare survival outcomes between CD56-positive and CD56-negative AML patients undergoing different treatment modalities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 188 newly diagnosed non-M3 AML patients (March 2017-May 2024).
• Patients categorized by CD56 expression, ELN 2022 risk stratification, and treatment (allo-HSCT vs. non-transplant).
• Comparison of remission rates, disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR).

Main Results:

• Patients with CD56-positive AML receiving allo-HSCT demonstrated significantly higher 3-year OS (73.1%) compared to non-transplanted patients (22.8%; P<0.001).
• In the ELN 2022 adverse-risk group, CD56-positive AML had lower 1-year OS (42.9%) than CD56-negative AML (65.3%; P=0.035).
• Among non-transplanted patients, CD56-positive AML showed lower 3-year survival (22.8%) versus CD56-negative (32.0%; P=0.031), but no difference was seen in allo-HSCT recipients.

Conclusions:

• Allo-HSCT is associated with improved long-term survival in CD56-positive AML.
• CD56 expression and risk stratification are independent prognostic factors for CD56-positive AML patients.
• Allo-HSCT may overcome the negative prognostic impact of CD56 expression in AML.