Increased C-kit intensity is a poor prognostic factor for progression-free and overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed AML.
C-kit, a tyrosine kinase receptor, is expressed on most myeloid blasts and is thought to be important in the pathogenesis of AML. Activation of the c-kit receptor leads to phosphorylation and activation of downstream signaling proteins, which are important for cell survival and proliferation. Here, we discuss the prognostic impact of c-kit intensity, measured using the mean fluorescent index (MFI) in patients with newly diagnosed AML. On multivariate analysis, c-kit MFI>20.3 correlated with a decreased progression-free survival and overall survival, independent of known prognostic factors (age, white blood count at diagnosis and cytogenetics). Whether inhibiting c-kit in patients with AML will alter prognosis is the basis of ongoing clinical trials.
Advani
Anjali S
AS
Taussig Cancer Center, Leukemia Program, The Cleveland Clinic CCF, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. advania@ccf.org
Rodriguez
Cristina
C
Jin
Tao
T
Jawde
Rony Abou
RA
Saber
Wael
W
Baz
Rachid
R
Kalaycio
Matt
M
Sobecks
Ronald
R
Sekeres
Mikkael
M
Tripp
Barbara
B
Hsi
Eric
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018450:Disease Progression; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / Q000378:metabolism*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate
D019009:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit