Introduction to a <i>Blood</i> Spotlight series on acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract

Recent molecular and diagnostic advances in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have led investigators and clinicians to further categorize patients in different subgroups, guiding therapeutic interventions. Associate Editor Selina Luger introduces this 4-piece Blood Spotlight series that she commissioned from leaders in the field and that focuses on these specific patients’ subgroups, not only on recent therapeutic advances but also on identifying areas of unmet need. Sallman and Stahl discuss TP53-mutated myelodysplastic syndrome and AML, proposing a new treatment algorithm. Perl provides a comprehensive spotlight on the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy, FLT3 inhibitors, and transplantation for FLT3-mutated AML. Abedin et al focus on the treatment of AML in fit older patients, making a case for enrollment of such individuals in clinical trials. Last, Walter et al provide a thoughtful discussion of the state of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for patients with AML who are at least 70 years old.