Genetic landscape of acute myeloid leukemia interrogated by next-generation sequencing: A large cancer center experience

Abstract

Background/Aim: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents a heterogeneous disease with varying morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic features, along with varying patient outcomes. The genomic tractability of AML makes it amenable for targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing clinically. Materials and Methods: One hundred eights-seven unique patients with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia between May 2011 and Oct 2014 and with mutational analysis by NGS were included in this study. The distribution of gene mutations was investigated in different subcategories of AML. Results: Most patients in this study (n=182) received Genoptix testing (either 5-gene panel or 21-gene panel). In 130/187 (70%) cases, there was an average of 2.3 mutations per case (range=0-7 mutations). We specifically mention mutations in 32 genes, their significance and co-occurrence as detected in different types of AML. Conclusion: The genetic heterogeneity of AML signifies the importance of taking a personalized-medicine approach to the management of patients with AML.