Can Doctors predict AML recurrence?
Two studies reported in the May 1st edition of the New England Journal of Medicine indicate that there are genetic markers that can make it easier for doctors to determine what type of treatment is the best for individuals with AML, Acute Myeloid Leukemia. One study done in Ulm, Germany analyzed the genetic makeup of normal AML cells in 872 patients and uncovered two mutations that cut the risk of relapse and death in half.
AML, which starts in the bone marrow and often spreads into the blood, can be treated by chemotherapy and/or bone marrow transplant. Each method carries its own risks, ranging from toxicity to transplant rejection.
Survival rates were calculated based on the type of treatment and gene mutation each patient had. The researchers identified some cases where patients may benefit from a transplant and cases where such a procedure carries a high risk.
The second study was done by by researchers at Ohio State University's Comprehensive Cancer Center. This research found 7 microRNAs (single-stranded ribonucleic acid molecules) responsible for immune response and which could be helpful in predicting leukemia recurrence.
These studies will be useful in helping researchers find better treatments and helpful to doctors in determining which treatments are appropriate for their patients. In addition, this may be helpful in eventually having drugs that will target the genetic mutations identified in these two studies.
