Dr. Komrokji on the Changing Landscape of AML

Rami S. Komrokji, MD, principal investigator, MDS Research Consortium, Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, clinical director, Hematologic Malignancies, Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses the changing landscape of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Physicians have made tremendous therapeutic strides for patients with AML, explains Komrokji. In the past year, the field has seen several FDA approvals. Data have shown that younger patients with good-risk disease and t(8;21) or inversion 16 seem to derive the most benefit from the incorporation of a lower dose of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg) into induction and consolidation. Now, it is becoming a part of the standard of care for these patients, says Komrokji.

For patients with FLT3 mutations, the incorporation of midostaurin (Rydapt) with a chemotherapy backbone has become the standard of care. This regimen has demonstrated a benefit in overall survival. Historically, getting this information in a fast-enough turnaround time was a difficulty. Now, the academic centers and the labs that perform those tests have a rapid turnaround time of a few days, notes Komrokji.