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Leśniak M, Lipniarska J, Majka P, Lejman M, Zawitkowska J. Recent Updates in Venetoclax Combination Therapies in Pediatric Hematological Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16708. [PMID: 38069030 PMCID: PMC10706781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax is a strongly effective B-cell lymphoma-2 inhibitor (BCL-2) with an ability to selectively restore the apoptotic potential of cancerous cells. It has been proven that in combination with immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and lower-intensity therapies such as hypomethylating agents (HMAs) or low-dose cytarabine (LDAC), the drug can improve overall outcomes for adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and multiple myeloma (MM), amongst other hematological malignancies, but its benefit in pediatric hematology remains unclear. With a number of preclinical and clinical trials emerging, the newest findings suggest that in many cases of younger patients, venetoclax combination treatment can be well-tolerated, with a safety profile similar to that in adults, despite often leading to severe infections. Studies aim to determine the activity of BCL-2 inhibitor in the treatment of both primary and refractory acute leukemias in combination with standard and high-dose chemotherapy. Although more research is required to identify the optimal venetoclax-based regimen for the pediatric population and its long-term effects on patients' outcomes, it can become a potential therapeutic agent for pediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Leśniak
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.L.); (J.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Justyna Lipniarska
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.L.); (J.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Patrycja Majka
- Student Scientific Society of Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (M.L.); (J.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Monika Lejman
- Independent Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
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2
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Niswander LM, Graff ZT, Chien CD, Chukinas JA, Meadows CA, Leach LC, Loftus JP, Kohler ME, Tasian SK, Fry TJ. Potent preclinical activity of FLT3-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy against FLT3- mutant acute myeloid leukemia and KMT2A-rearranged acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Haematologica 2023; 108:457-471. [PMID: 35950535 PMCID: PMC9890025 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.281456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapies targeting CD19 or CD22 induce remissions in the majority of patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), although relapse due to target antigen loss or downregulation has emerged as a major clinical dilemma. Accordingly, great interest exists in developing CAR T cells directed against alternative leukemia cell surface antigens that may help to overcome immunotherapeutic resistance. The fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 receptor (FLT3) is constitutively activated via FLT3 mutation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or wild-type FLT3 overexpression in KMT2A (lysine-specific methyltransferase 2A)-rearranged ALL, which are associated with poor clinical outcomes in children and adults. We developed monovalent FLT3-targeted CAR T cells (FLT3CART) and bispecific CD19xFLT3CART and assessed their anti-leukemia activity in preclinical models of FLT3-mutant AML and KMT2A-rearranged infant ALL. We report robust in vitro FLT3CART-induced cytokine production and cytotoxicity against AML and ALL cell lines with minimal cross-reactivity against normal hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic tissues. We also observed potent in vivo inhibition of leukemia proliferation in xenograft models of both FLT3-mutant AML and KMT2A-rearranged ALL, including a post-tisagenlecleucel ALL-to-AML lineage switch patient-derived xenograft model pairing. We further demonstrate significant in vitro and in vivo activity of bispecific CD19xFLT3CART against KMT2Arearranged ALL and posit that this additional approach might also diminish potential antigen escape in these high-risk leukemias. Our preclinical data credential FLT3CART as a highly effective immunotherapeutic strategy for both FLT3- mutant AML and KMT2A-rearranged ALL which is poised for further investigation and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Niswander
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research; Philadelphia PA
| | - Zachary T Graff
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado; Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO
| | - Christopher D Chien
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD
| | - John A Chukinas
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research; Philadelphia PA
| | - Christina A Meadows
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO
| | - Lillie C Leach
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO
| | - Joseph P Loftus
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research; Philadelphia, PA
| | - M Eric Kohler
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado; Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO
| | - Sarah K Tasian
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research; Philadelphia PA, USA; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Abramson Cancer Center; Philadelphia PA.
| | - Terry J Fry
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado; Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus; Aurora, CO.
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3
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Inflammatory bone marrow signaling in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia distinguishes patients with poor outcomes. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7186. [PMID: 36418348 PMCID: PMC9684530 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34965-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the bone marrow are associated with poor outcomes in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (pAML), but its etiology remains unknown. Using RNA-seq data from pre-treatment bone marrows of 1489 children with pAML, we show that > 20% of patients have concurrent IL-6, IL-1, IFNα/β, and TNFα signaling activity and poorer outcomes. Targeted sequencing of pre-treatment bone marrow samples from affected patients (n = 181) revealed 5 highly recurrent patterns of somatic mutation. Using differential expression analyses of the most common genomic subtypes (~60% of total), we identify high expression of multiple potential drivers of inflammation-related treatment resistance. Regardless of genomic subtype, we show that JAK1/2 inhibition reduces receptor-mediated inflammatory signaling by leukemic cells in-vitro. The large number of high-risk pAML genomic subtypes presents an obstacle to the development of mutation-specific therapies. Our findings suggest that therapies targeting inflammatory signaling may be effective across multiple genomic subtypes of pAML.
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4
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Lamble AJ, Eidenschink Brodersen L, Alonzo TA, Wang J, Pardo L, Sung L, Cooper TM, Kolb EA, Aplenc R, Tasian SK, Loken MR, Meshinchi S. CD123 Expression Is Associated With High-Risk Disease Characteristics in Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:252-261. [PMID: 34855461 PMCID: PMC8769096 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.01595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Increased CD123 surface expression has been associated with high-risk disease characteristics in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but has not been well-characterized in childhood AML. In this study, we defined CD123 expression and associated clinical characteristics in a uniformly treated cohort of pediatric patients with newly diagnosed AML enrolled on the Children's Oncology Group AAML1031 phase III trial (NCT01371981). MATERIALS AND METHODS AML blasts within diagnostic bone marrow specimens (n = 1,040) were prospectively analyzed for CD123 protein expression by multidimensional flow cytometry immunophenotyping at a central clinical laboratory. Patients were stratified as low-risk or high-risk on the basis of (1) leukemia-associated cytogenetic and molecular alterations and (2) end-of-induction measurable residual disease levels. RESULTS The study population was divided into CD123 expression-based quartiles (n = 260 each) for analysis. Those with highest CD123 expression (quartile 4 [Q4]) had higher prevalence of high-risk KMT2A rearrangements and FLT3-ITD mutations (P < .001 for both) and lower prevalence of low-risk t(8;21), inv(16), and CEBPA mutations (P < .001 for all). Patients in lower CD123 expression quartiles (Q1-3) had similar relapse risk, event-free survival, and overall survival. Conversely, Q4 patients had a significantly higher relapse risk (53% v 39%, P < .001), lower event-free survival (49% v 69%, P < .001), and lower overall survival (32% v 50%, P < .001) in comparison with Q1-3 patients. CD123 maintained independent significance for outcomes when all known contemporary high-risk cytogenetic and molecular markers were incorporated into multivariable Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSION CD123 is strongly associated with disease-relevant cytogenetic and molecular alterations in childhood AML. CD123 is a critical biomarker and promising immunotherapeutic target for children with relapsed or refractory AML, given its prevalent expression and enrichment in patients with high-risk genetic alterations and inferior clinical outcomes with conventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Lamble
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA,Adam J. Lamble, MD, University of Washington–Seattle Children's Hospital, M/S MB.8.501, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145-5005; e-mail:
| | | | - Todd A. Alonzo
- Children's Oncology Group, Monrovia, CA,University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jim Wang
- Children's Oncology Group, Monrovia, CA
| | | | - Lillian Sung
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, CA
| | - Todd M. Cooper
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - E. Anders Kolb
- Division of Oncology, Nemours/Alfred I. Dupont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE
| | - Richard Aplenc
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sarah K. Tasian
- Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Soheil Meshinchi
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
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Al-Ali Z, Mohammed B. Relation between FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 factor and hematological parameter in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients by flow cytometry. IRAQI JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/ijh.ijh_49_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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6
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FLT3 mutational analysis in acute myeloid leukemia: Advantages and pitfalls with different approaches. Blood Rev 2022; 54:100928. [DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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CLEC12A and CD33 coexpression as a preferential target for pediatric AML combinatorial immunotherapy. Blood 2021; 137:1037-1049. [PMID: 33094319 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020006921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging immunotherapies such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells have advanced the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In contrast, long-term control of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cannot be achieved by single lineage-specific targeting while sparing benign hematopoiesis. In addition, heterogeneity of AML warrants combinatorial targeting, and several suitable immunotargets (HAVCR2/CD33 and HAVCR2/CLEC12A) have been identified in adult AML. However, clinical and biologic characteristics of AML differ between children and the elderly. Here, we analyzed 36 bone marrow (BM) samples of pediatric AML patients and 13 age-matched healthy donors using whole RNA sequencing of sorted CD45dim and CD34+CD38-CD45dim BM populations and flow cytometry for surface expression of putative target antigens. Pediatric AML clusters apart from healthy myeloid BM precursors in principal-component analysis. Known immunotargets of adult AML, such as IL3RA, were not overexpressed in pediatric AML compared with healthy precursors by RNA sequencing. CD33 and CLEC12A were the most upregulated immunotargets on the RNA level and showed the highest surface expression on AML detected by flow cytometry. KMT2A-mutated infant AML clusters separately by RNA sequencing and overexpresses FLT3, and hence, CD33/FLT3 cotargeting is an additional specific option for this subgroup. CLEC12A and CD33/CLEC12Adouble-positive expression was absent in CD34+CD38-CD45RA-CD90+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and nonhematopoietic tissue, while CD33 and FLT3 are expressed on HSCs. In summary, we show that expression of immunotargets in pediatric AML differs from known expression profiles in adult AML. We identify CLEC12A and CD33 as preferential generic combinatorial immunotargets in pediatric AML and CD33 and FLT3 as immunotargets specific for KMT2A-mutated infant AML.
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Abstract
The genetic basis for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is highly heterogeneous, often involving the cooperative action of characteristic chromosomal rearrangements and somatic mutations in progrowth and antidifferentiation pathways that drive oncogenesis. Although some driver mutations are shared with adult AML, many genetic lesions are unique to pediatric patients, and their appropriate identification is essential for patient care. The increased understanding of these malignancies through broad genomic studies has begun to risk-stratify patients based on their combinations of genomic alterations, a trend that will enable precision medicine in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Krock
- Caris Life Sciences, 4610 South 44th Place, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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Abstract
Aberrant FLT3 receptor signaling is common in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and has important implications for the biology and clinical management of the disease. Patients with FLT3-mutated AML frequently present with critical illness, are more likely to relapse after treatment, and have worse clinical outcomes than their FLT3 wild type counterparts. The clinical management of FLT3-mutated AML has been transformed by the development of FLT3 inhibitors, which are now in use in the frontline and relapsed/refractory settings. However, many questions regarding the optimal approach to the treatment of these patients remain. In this paper, we will review the rationale for targeting the FLT3 receptor in AML, the impact of FLT3 mutation on patient prognosis, the current standard of care approaches to FLT3-mutated AML management, and the diverse array of FLT3 inhibitors in use and under investigation. We will also explore new opportunities and strategies for targeting the FLT3 receptor. These include targeting the receptor in patients with non-canonical FLT3 mutations or wild type FLT3, pairing FLT3 inhibitors with other novel therapies, using minimal residual disease (MRD) testing to guide the targeting of FLT3, and novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Ambinder
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Levis
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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10
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Morais RVD, Souza MVD, Silva KADS, Santiago P, Lorenzoni MC, Lorea CF, Junior CGDC, Taniguchi ANR, Scherer FF, Michalowski MB, Daudt LE. Epidemiological evaluation and survival of children with acute myeloid leukemia. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2021; 97:204-210. [PMID: 32325011 PMCID: PMC9432146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics and survival rates of children with acute myeloid leukemia treated in hospitals in southern Brazil and compare them with international data. METHODS A multicenter cohort study was conducted with retrospective data collection of all new patients with acute myeloid leukemia under 18 treated at five referral centers in pediatric hematology-oncology in southern Brazil between January 2005 and December 2015. RESULTS Of the 149 patients with acute myeloid leukemia, 63.0% (n=94) were male. The median age at diagnosis was 10.5 years (range 0-18 years) and 40.3% (n=60) had a white blood cell count below 50,000/mm2. The most common Franco-American-British (FAB) subtype was M3 (n=43, 28.9%). Nine (6.0%) patients had central nervous system disease. In M3 patients, overall survival (OS) was 69.2% and 3-year event-free survival was 67.7%; in non-M3 patients, these rates were 45.3% and 36.7%, respectively. In non-M3 patients, OS was significantly different between transplanted (61.8%) and non-transplanted (38.2%) patients (p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS These results show a higher prevalence of the Franco-American-British M3 subtype than that reported in the international literature, as well as a decreased OS compared with that of developed countries. Further multicenter Brazilian studies with a larger sample size are encouraged to better understand the characteristics of acute myeloid leukemia, and to improve the treatment and prognosis in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meriene Viquetti de Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Klerize Anecely de Souza Silva
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Hospital da Criança Conceição, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Liane Esteves Daudt
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde da Criança e do Adolescente, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Marensi V, Keeshan KR, MacEwan DJ. Pharmacological impact of FLT3 mutations on receptor activity and responsiveness to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 183:114348. [PMID: 33242449 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer characterized by the rapid proliferation of immature myeloid blast cells, resulting in a high mortality rate. The 5-year overall survival rate for AML patients is approximately 25%. Circa 35% of all patients carry a mutation in the FLT3 gene which have a poor prognosis. Targeting FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase has become a treatment strategy in AML patients possessing FLT3 mutations. The most common mutations are internal tandem duplications (ITD) within exon 14 and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that leads to a point mutation in the D835 of the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD). Variations in the ITD sequence and the occurrence of other point mutations that lead to ligand-independent FLT3 receptor activation create difficulties in developing personalized therapeutic strategies to overcome observed mutation-driven drug resistance. Midostaurin and quizartinib are tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with inhibitory efficacy against FLT3-ITD, but exhibit limited clinical impact. In this review, we focus on the structural aspects of the FLT3 receptor and correlate those mutations with receptor activation and the consequences for molecular and clinical responsiveness towards therapies targeting FLT3-ITD positive AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Marensi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Karen R Keeshan
- Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David J MacEwan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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Karbowski C, Goldstein R, Frank B, Kim K, Li CM, Homann O, Hensley K, Brooks B, Wang X, Yan Q, Hernandez R, Adams G, Boyle M, Arvedson T, Lebrec H. Nonclinical Safety Assessment of AMG 553, an Investigational Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Toxicol Sci 2020; 177:94-107. [PMID: 32589753 PMCID: PMC7553704 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline McDonough Sarcoma-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), a tyrosine-protein kinase involved in hematopoiesis, is detectable on the cell surface of approximately 80% of leukemia isolates from adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AMG 553 is an investigational chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapy for the treatment of AML. FLT3 expression analysis and in vitro and in vivo studies were leveraged to evaluate the nonclinical safety of AMG 553. Cynomolgus monkeys administered autologous anti-FLT3 CAR T cells demonstrated no evidence of CAR T-cell-mediated toxicity, expansion, or persistence, likely due to restricted cell surface FLT3 protein expression in healthy animals. This highlights the limited value of such in vivo studies for safety assessment of the CAR T-cell modality when directed against a target with restricted expression. To complement these studies and directly evaluate the potential toxicities of eliciting T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity against cells with surface expression of FLT3 protein in vivo, data from cynomolgus monkey toxicology studies with 2 bispecific T-cell engager molecules targeting FLT3 were leveraged; findings were consistent with the targeted killing of bone marrow cells expressing cell surface FLT3. Potential AMG 553-induced cytotoxicity was assessed against a wide range of normal human primary cells and cell lines; cytotoxicity was observed against FLT3-positive AML cell lines and a percentage of primary bone marrow CD34+ cells. In conclusion, the nonclinical safety data suggest that AMG 553 can target FLT3 protein on AML cells, whereas only affecting a percentage of normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, supporting clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brendon Frank
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Kei Kim
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Chi-Ming Li
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Oliver Homann
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Kelly Hensley
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Benjamin Brooks
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Xiaoting Wang
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Qinghong Yan
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Gregor Adams
- Kite Pharma, Inc., Santa Monica, California 90404
| | - Michael Boyle
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, California
| | - Tara Arvedson
- Amgen Research, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Herve Lebrec
- Kite Pharma, Inc., Santa Monica, California 90404
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Pearson ADJ, Zwaan CM, Kolb EA, Karres D, Guillot J, Kim SY, Marshall L, Tasian SK, Smith M, Cooper T, Adamson PC, Barry E, Benettaib B, Binlich F, Borgman A, Brivio E, Capdeville R, Delgado D, Faller D, Fogelstrand L, Fraenkel PG, Hasle H, Heenen D, Kaspers G, Kieran M, Klusmann JH, Lesa G, Ligas F, Mappa S, Mohamed H, Moore A, Morris J, Nottage K, Reinhardt D, Scobie N, Simko S, Winkler T, Norga K, Reaman G, Vassal G. Paediatric Strategy Forum for medicinal product development for acute myeloid leukaemia in children and adolescents: ACCELERATE in collaboration with the European Medicines Agency with participation of the Food and Drug Administration. Eur J Cancer 2020; 136:116-129. [PMID: 32688206 PMCID: PMC7789799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The current standard-of-care for front-line therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) results in short-term and long-term toxicity, but still approximately 40% of children relapse. Therefore, there is a major need to accelerate the evaluation of innovative medicines, yet drug development continues to be adult-focused. Furthermore, the large number of competing agents in rare patient populations requires coordinated prioritisation, within the global regulatory framework and cooperative group initiatives. Methods: The fourth multi-stakeholder Paediatric Strategy Forum focused on AML in children and adolescents. Results: CD123 is a high priority target and the paediatric development should be accelerated as a proof-of-concept. Efforts must be coordinated, however, as there are a limited number of studies that can be delivered. Studies of FLT3 inhibitors in agreed paediatric investigation plans present challenges to be completed because they require enrolment of a larger number of patients than actually exist. A consensus was developed by industry and academia of optimised clinical trials. For AML with rare mutations that are more frequent in adolescents than in children, adult trials should enrol adolescents and when scientifically justified, efficacy data could be extrapolated. Methodologies and definitions of minimal residual disease need to be standardised internationally and validated as a new response criterion. Industry supported, academic sponsored platform trials could identify products to be further developed. The Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society PedAL/EUpAL initiative has the potential to be a major advance in the field. Conclusion: These initiatives continue to accelerate drug development for children with AML and ultimately improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Michel Zwaan
- Princess Máxima Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; ITCC, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Julie Guillot
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Leukaemia Lymphoma Society, Target Paediatric AML, USA
| | | | - Lynley Marshall
- Royal Marsden Hospital, The Institute of Cancer Research, UK
| | - Sarah K Tasian
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Malcolm Smith
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, USA
| | | | - Peter C Adamson
- Sanofi US, Emeritus Professor of Paediatrics & Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Erica Brivio
- Princess Máxima Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; ITCC, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Linda Fogelstrand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Paediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | - Gertjan Kaspers
- Princess Máxima Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; ITCC, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Giovanni Lesa
- European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Franca Ligas
- European Medicines Agency, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Andrew Moore
- Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Koen Norga
- Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen, FAMHP, Belgium
| | | | - Gilles Vassal
- ACCELERATE/ITCC, Belgium; Gustave Roussy Cancer Centre, France
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Singh N, Huang L, Wang DB, Shao N, Zhang XE. Simultaneous Detection of a Cluster of Differentiation Markers on Leukemia-Derived Exosomes by Multiplex Immuno-Polymerase Chain Reaction via Capillary Electrophoresis Analysis. Anal Chem 2020; 92:10569-10577. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c01464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Netrapal Singh
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
- CAS Center for Biological Macromolecules, National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Lin Huang
- CAS Center for Biological Macromolecules, National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Dian-Bing Wang
- CAS Center for Biological Macromolecules, National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Nan Shao
- CAS Center for Biological Macromolecules, National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Xian-En Zhang
- Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
- CAS Center for Biological Macromolecules, National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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15
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Molina-Aguilar R, Montiel-Cervantes LA, Anguiano-Peñaloza SV, Lezama R, Vela-Ojeda J, Reyes-Maldonado E. γδ T Cells Number, CD200, and Flt3 Expression Is Associated with Higher Progression Free Survival in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Arch Med Res 2020; 51:194-203. [PMID: 32113783 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor immunoedition involves alterations in cells of immune system, which may play an important role in the immunosurveillance of patients with cancer diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY To determine the association between the number of immune cells and the expression of surface markers in leukemic cells of patients with de novo CML who achieved molecular response. METHODS A longitudinal study was conducted in 31 patients with de novo CML. Peripheral blood samples were obtained at diagnosis for quantification of immune cells and tumor cells expressing CD200, CD135, GpP, and Bcl-2. Results were compared with a group of 60 healthy donors. Lymphocyte subsets were analyzed during a 48 month follow-up period and molecular response to treatment was assessed simultaneously by QT-PCR. The group of patients with deep molecular response was compared with de novo CML patients; the cut-off value of cell count was determined by ROC analysis. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard model were used to determine the significant association between the number of cells and progression-free survival. RESULTS Differences in number of CD4, CD4Tregs, NK, γδT, monocytes, and pDC's, tumor-cells expressing CD200+, CD135+, GpP+, and Bcl-2+ were observed between patients and healthy donors. The number of γδT lymphocytes, CD200+, and CD135+ cells were associated with longer progression-free survival (p = 0.0112, p = 0.0012 and p = 0.0201 respectively). CONCLUSION A γδT lymphocyte count <63 cel/uL, CD200+ <997 cel/uL, and CD135+ <23 317 cel/uL at diagnosis is associated with the maintenance of deep molecular response at 48 months in patients with de novo CML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubiraida Molina-Aguilar
- Departamento de Morfología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México; Departamento de Hematología, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México; Unidad de Investigación de Medicina Traslacional en Enfermedades Hemato-Oncologicas, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Laura Arcelia Montiel-Cervantes
- Departamento de Morfología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México; Departamento de Hematología, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México; Unidad de Investigación de Medicina Traslacional en Enfermedades Hemato-Oncologicas, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Ruth Lezama
- Departamento de Morfología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jorge Vela-Ojeda
- Departamento de Morfología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México; Departamento de Hematología, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México; Unidad de Investigación de Medicina Traslacional en Enfermedades Hemato-Oncologicas, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Elba Reyes-Maldonado
- Departamento de Morfología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México.
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16
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Raeisi M, Nikhanfar AR, Nejate B, Movassaghpour Akbari AA, Dolatkhah R, Roosta Y, Sanaat Z. Role of CD135/CD117 on Prognosis and Overall Survival of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2019; 20:2625-2631. [PMID: 31554356 PMCID: PMC6976829 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2019.20.9.2625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The key proliferative RTKs for AML include c-KIT receptor (CD117) and FLT-3 receptor (CD135). The aim of this study was to evaluate the CD135 and CD117 expression, co-expression of CD135 and CD117 (CD135+CD117), and the association of that co-expression with Event Free Survival (DFS) and Overall Survival (OS) rates. Material and Methods: We analyzed CD117 and CD135 expression on AML blasts by flow cytometry and its association with Event Free Survival (DFS) and Overall Survival (OS) in 66 AML treated on Hematology-Oncology Research Center, Iran, Tabriz. Results: The overall OS and EFS were 50% and 80.3% respectively during our study. Cox-regression analysis revealed that a poor EFS was significantly associated a low CD135 (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13–0.88, P = 0.02). Conclusion: This is the first study from Iran to show that the expressions of CD135, CD117 is easily measurable by routine diagnostic flow-cytometry, and CD135+117 were not significantly associated with CR, EFS, or OS .
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Reza Nikhanfar
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Babak Nejate
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | | | - Roya Dolatkhah
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Yousef Roosta
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Sanaat
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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17
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Poubel CP, Mansur MB, Boroni M, Emerenciano M. FLT3 overexpression in acute leukaemias: New insights into the search for molecular mechanisms. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1872:80-88. [PMID: 31201827 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
FLT3 overexpression is a recurrent event in various acute leukaemia subtypes. This transcriptional deregulation is important to define the prognostic risk for many patients. Of note, the molecular mechanisms leading to this gene upregulation are unknown for a substantial number of cases. In this Mini-Review, we highlight the role of FLT3 overexpression in acute leukaemia and discuss emerging mechanisms accounting for this upregulation. The benefits of using targeted therapy are also addressed in the overexpression context, posing other therapeutic possibilities based on state-of-the-art knowledge that could be considered for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Pires Poubel
- Division of Clinical Research, Research Centre, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rua André Cavalcanti 37, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20231050, Brazil; Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Lab, Research Centre, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rua André Cavalcanti 37, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20231050, Brazil
| | - Marcela B Mansur
- Division of Clinical Research, Research Centre, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rua André Cavalcanti 37, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20231050, Brazil
| | - Mariana Boroni
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Lab, Research Centre, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rua André Cavalcanti 37, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20231050, Brazil
| | - Mariana Emerenciano
- Division of Clinical Research, Research Centre, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rua André Cavalcanti 37, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20231050, Brazil.
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18
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Impact of FLT3 Receptor (CD135) Detection by Flow Cytometry on Clinical Outcome of Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2018; 18:541-547. [PMID: 29907544 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2018.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The significance of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)-ITD mutation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) prognosis has been well established. The aims of this study were to investigate the prognostic impact of the FLT3 protein (CD135) expression and its association with FLT3-ITD mutation, and to identify its role in minimal residual disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS CD135 was measured by flow cytometry on leukemic blasts of 257 adults with de novo AML. High expression of CD135 ≥ 20% was correlated with clinical, laboratory, and other prognostic factors that influenced treatment outcome. FLT3-ITD mutation was tested by PCR. RESULTS The frequency of CD135 expression was 138 (53.7%) of 257. FLT3-ITD was detected in (21.4%). Positive CD135 expression was associated with high total leukocyte count (P = .006), platelet count (P = .003), monocytic leukemia (P < .001), and CD34 (P = .008) and CD117 (P = .006) expression. CD135 expression ≥ 25% was a predictor of FLT3-ITD mutation (P = .03). CD135 overexpression was a negative predictor of complete remission and of postinduction minimal residual disease at days 14 and 28 (P < .001). CD135 had an adverse impact on overall and disease-free survival (68.5% vs. 15%, P = .002). Multivariate analysis indicated CD135 was the sole independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.855-3.345; P < .001). CONCLUSION CD135 is emerging as a prognostic factor, a new marker for minimal residual disease, and a potential novel therapeutic target of AML.
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19
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Sexauer AN, Tasian SK. Targeting FLT3 Signaling in Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Pediatr 2017; 5:248. [PMID: 29209600 PMCID: PMC5702014 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2017.00248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the second most common leukemia of childhood and is associated with high rates of chemotherapy resistance and relapse. Clinical outcomes for children with AML treated with maximally intensive multi-agent chemotherapy lag far behind those of children with the more common acute lymphoblastic leukemia, demonstrating continued need for new therapeutic approaches to decrease relapse risk and improve long-term survival. Mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 receptor gene (FLT3) occur in approximately 25% of children and adults with AML and are associated with particularly poor prognoses. Identification and development of targeted FLT3 inhibitors represents a major precision medicine paradigm shift in the treatment of patients with AML. While further development of many first-generation FLT3 inhibitors was hampered by limited potency and significant toxicity due to effects upon other kinases, the more selective second- and third-generation FLT3 inhibitors have demonstrated excellent tolerability and remarkable efficacy in the relapsed/refractory and now de novo FLT3-mutated AML settings. While these newest and most promising inhibitors have largely been studied in the adult population, pediatric investigation of FLT3 inhibitors with chemotherapy is relatively recently ongoing or planned. Successful development of FLT3 inhibitor-based therapies will be essential to improve outcomes in children with this high-risk subtype of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy N Sexauer
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States.,Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sarah K Tasian
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Oncology, Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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