Adult rhabdomyosarcoma combined with acute myeloid leukemia: A case report

BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcoma is a tumor of mesenchymal origin.Secondary leukemia is a complication of previous transformation to other hematologic disorders or is a treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia secondary to cytotoxic chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other malignancies.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 36-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma and acute myeloid leukemia.Further disease progression was observed after multiline chemotherapy.Eventually,the patient suffered cerebral hemorrhage,which resulted in death.CONCLUSION The incidence of rhabdomyosarcoma in adults is extremely low,and secondary leukemia caused by rhabdomyosarcoma is even rarer.Secondary leukemia has a very poor prognosis and a low overall survival rate.

A model based on eight iron metabolism-related genes accurately predicts acute myeloid leukemia prognosis

Purpose:Iron metabolism maintains the balance between iron absorption and excretion.Abnormal iron metabolism can cause numerous diseases,including tumor.This study determined the iron metabolism-related genes(IMRGs)signature that can predict the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia(AML).The roles of these genes in the immune microenvironment were also explored.Methods:A total of 514 IMRGs were downloaded from the Molecular Characteristics Database(MSigDB).IMRGs related to AML prognosis were identified using Cox regression and LASSO analyses and were used to construct the risk score model.AML patients were stratified into high-risk groups(cluster 1)and low-risk groups(cluster 2)based on the mean value of the risk score.The accuracy and prognosis prediction potential of the risk-score model was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristics analysis.The stromal score,immune scores,and immune cells infiltrated in AML samples were estimated using CIBERSORT,MCPcountre,and Xcell algorithms.The role of immune checkpoint genes in the AML microenvironment and the prognostic value of the IMRGs were also evaluated.Results:An AML prognosis prediction model was established based on the eight most critical IMRGs.Further analyses revealed that the model could accurately predict AML prognosis.The expression of IMRGs correlated with the infiltration of several immune cells and could influence response to certain chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy.Conclusion:A model based on IMRGs can accurately predict the overall survival and disease-free survival of AML patients.

Acute pancreatitis as initial presentation of acute myeloid leukemia-M2 subtype:A case report

BACKGROUND Direct infiltration of the pancreas by acute myeloid leukemia(AML)with acute pancreatitis(AP)as an initial symptom is extremely rare.Only once in the literature,the leukemia cells in AML have been implicated as the cause of AP.Pancreatitis caused by a rare predisposing factor is often misdiagnosed as idiopathic pancreatitis or pancreatitis of other common causes.Severe AP(SAP)progresses rapidly with a high fatality rate.Therefore,it is important to identify the predisposing factors in the early stage of SAP,evaluate the condition,determine prognosis,formulate treatment plans,and prevent a recurrence.Here,we describe a case of SAP due to AML.CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old man presented to the hospital with fever and persistent abdominal pain.Blood analysis presented significantly elevated serum amylase and severe thrombocytopenia.Computed tomography examination of the abdomen revealed peripancreatic inflammatory effusion.The patient had no common etiologies and risk factors for AP,but the concurrent severe thrombocytopenia could not be explained by pancreatitis.Finally,the bone marrow aspirate and biopsy inspection revealed the underlying reason for pancreatitis,AML(M2 type based on the French-American-British classifications system).CONCLUSION Direct infiltration of the pancrease by acute leukemia,particularly AML cells,is an infrequent cause of AP.Therefore,although AP is a rare extramedullary infilt-ration characteristic for AML patients,it should be considered when determining the etiology of AP.

Chidamide,Decitabine,Cytarabine,Aclarubicin,and Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor Therapy for Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia:A Retrospective Study from a Single-Center

Objective Preclinical evidence and clinical trials have suggested synergistic effects of epigenetic modifiers in combination with cytotoxic agents for the treatment of leukemia.However,their efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia(R/R AML)remains unclear.Methods Clinical data of R/R AML patients who received a CDCAG regimen(chidamide,decitabine,cytarabine,aclarubicin,and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor)from July 1,2018 to October 31,2021 at our center were retrospectively assessed,and the safety and efficacy of the CDCAG regimen were evaluated.Patients were followed up until November 30,2021,with a median follow-up of 21.6 months(95%CI:10.0–33.2 months).Results A total of 67 patients were enrolled.Two patients died within 3 weeks after the initiation,and therefore only 65 patients underwent the assement for clinical response and survival.It was found that 56.9%patients achieved complete remission with a median overall survival(OS)of 9.6 months.The median OS of responders was 25.9 months,while that of non-responders was 5.0 months(P<0.0001).Patients with gene mutations had a superior overall response rate(ORR)(80.4%vs.45.5%,P=0.043)compared to those without gene mutations.The presence of DNA methyltransferase 3 A(DNMT3A),ten-eleven translocation-2(TET2),and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2(IDH1/2)mutations did not affect the response rate(88.2%vs.68.9%,P=0.220)and reflected a better OS(not attained vs.9.0 months,P=0.05).The most common non-hematologic adverse events were pulmonary infection(73.1%),followed by febrile neutropenia(23.9%)and sepsis(19.4%).Conclusions The CDCAG regimen was effective and well-tolerated in R/R AML patients,increasing the potential for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Moreover,patients with DNMT3A,TET2,and IDH1/2 mutations might benefit from this regimen.

Blood typing and transfusion therapy in a patient with A2 subtype acute myeloid leukemia M2:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia(AML)is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults.However,AML is relatively rare in the population overall,accounting for only about 1 percent of all cancers.Treatment for AML can be very effective for some patients,yet it leaves others with serious and even life-threatening side effects.Chemotherapy is still the primary treatment for most AML,but over time,leukemia cells become resistant to chemotherapy drugs.In addition,stem cell transplantation,targeted therapy,and immunotherapy are currently available.At the same time,with the progression of the disease,the patient may have corresponding complications,such as coagulation dysfunction,anemia,granulocytopenia,and repeated infection,so transfusion supportive therapy will be involved in the overall treatment regime.To date,few articles have reported on blood transfusion treatment options for patients with ABO subtypes AML-M2.Blood transfusion therapy is an important supportive treatment for AML-M2,and accurate determination of patients'blood type is one of the most important steps in the treatment process.In this study,we explored blood typing and supportive treatment strategies for a patient with A2 subtype AML-M2 to provide the basis for treatment for all patients.CASE SUMMARY In order to determine the blood type of the patient,serological and molecular biological methods were used for reference tests,and the genetic background was studied to determine the patient's final blood type and select the appropriate blood products for infusion treatment.According to the results obtained by serological and molecular biological methods,the blood type of the patient was A2 subtype;the genotype was A02/001;the irregular antibody screening was negative,and anti-A1 was found in the plasma.According to the overall treatment plan,active anti-infection,elevated cells,component blood transfusion support,and other rescue and supportive treatments were given,and the patient successfully passed the stage of myelosuppression after chemotherapy.Re-examination of bone marrow smears showed that AL was in complete remission of bone marrow signs,and minimal residual leukemia lesions suggested no cells with obvious abnormal immunophenotype(residual leukemia cells<10-4).CONCLUSION The infusion of patients with A2 subtype AML-M2 with A irradiated platelets and O washing red blood cells can meet the needs of clinical treatment.

Expression and clinical significance of CANX in acute myeloid leukemia based on TCGA database

Objective:To explore relationships between CANX expression,prognosis and immune infiltration of acute myeloid leukemia(AML)patients.Methods:The TIMER database was used to compare the CANX expression among a variety of TCGA tumor and normal tissue samples.The difference of CANX expression between AML and normal samples was found by R software.The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-Rank test were used to assess the relationship between CANX expression and patient survival.The R software was used to find correlations between CANX expression,clinical characteristics,drug sensitivity,and immune infiltration in AML.Results:The differential expression of CANX in 13 tumor and normal tissue samples were statistically significant(P<0.05).The high CANX expression was associated with a favorable prognosis(P<0.05),which was validated in GSE37642.The expression of CANX was correlated with age,survival status,FAB stage,and karyotype(P<0.05).High CANX expression,low age and favorable karyotype were independent predictors of a favorable prognosis(P<0.05).CANX expression may affect the sensitivity of AML patients to multiple drugs(P<0.05).The expression of CANX was positively correlated with that of M1 macrophages and CD8 T cells.Conclusion:CANX may be used as a novel potential biomarker,and could benefit AML patients by predicting patient prognosis and providing precise treatment indications.

Myeloid sarcoma as the only manifestation in a rare mixed lineage leukemia-fusion-driven acute myeloid leukemia:A case report

BACKGROUND The mixed lineage leukemia(MLL)-eleven-nineteen lysine-rich leukemia(ELL)fusion gene is a rare occurrence among the various MLL fusion genes.We present the first case in which myeloid sarcoma(MS)was the only manifestation of adult MLL-ELL-positive acute myeloid leukemia(AML).CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 33-year-old male patient who was admitted in June 2022 with a right occipital area mass measuring approximately 7 cm×8 cm.Blood work was normal.The patient underwent right occipital giant subscalp mass excision and incisional flap grafting.Immunohistochemistry was positive for myeloperoxidase,CD43 and CD45 and negative for CD3,CD20,CD34,and CD56.The bone marrow aspirate showed hypercellularity with 20%myeloblasts.Flow cytometry showed that myeloblasts accounted for 27.21%of the nucleated cells,which expressed CD33,CD38,and CD117.The karyotype was 46,XY,t(11,19)(q23;p13.1),-12,+mar/46,XY.Next-generation sequencing showed a fusion of MLL exon 7 to exon 2 of ELL.A diagnosis of MLL-ELL-positive AML(M2 subtype)with subcutaneous MS was made.CONCLUSION MLL-ELL-positive AML with MS is a rare clinical entity.Additional research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of MS.

A Construction of Object Detection Model for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The evolution of bone marrow morphology is necessary in Acute Mye-loid Leukemia(AML)prediction.It takes an enormous number of times to ana-lyze with the standardization and inter-observer variability.Here,we proposed a novel AML detection model using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network(D-CNN).The proposed Faster R-CNN(Faster Region-Based CNN)models are trained with Morphological Dataset.The proposed Faster R-CNN model is trained using the augmented dataset.For overcoming the Imbalanced Data problem,data augmentation techniques are imposed.The Faster R-CNN performance was com-pared with existing transfer learning techniques.The results show that the Faster R-CNN performance was significant than other techniques.The number of images in each class is different.For example,the Neutrophil(segmented)class consists of 8,486 images,and Lymphocyte(atypical)class consists of eleven images.The dataset is used to train the CNN for single-cell morphology classification.The proposed work implies the high-class performance server called Nvidia Tesla V100 GPU(Graphics processing unit).

Coexistence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,acute myeloid leukemia,and untreated lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/waldenström macroglobulinemia in a same patient:A case report

BACKGROUND The Coexistence of myeloid and lymphoid malignancies is rare.Myeloid leukemia occurs more frequently as a secondary event in patients receiving chemotherapy agents for lymphoid malignancies.Synchronous diagnoses of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL),acute myeloid leukemia(AML),and untreated lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia(LPL/WM)in the same patient have not been reported.Here we report one such case.CASE SUMMARY An 89-year-old man had a chest wall mass histopathologically diagnosed as DLBCL.The bone marrow and peripheral blood contained two groups of cells.One group of cells fulfilled the criteria of AML,and the other revealed the features of small B lymphocytic proliferative disorder,which we considered LPL/WM.Multiple chromosomal or genetic changes were detected in bone marrow mononuclear cells,including ATM deletion,CCND1 amplification,mutations of MYD88(L265P)and TP53,WT1 overexpression,and fusion gene of BIRC2-ARAP1,as well as complex chromosomal abnormalities.The patient refused chemotherapy because of old age and died of pneumonia 1 mo after the final diagnosis.CONCLUSION The coexistence of DLBCL,AML,and untreated LPL/WM in the same patient is extremely rare,which probably results from multiple steps of genetic abnormalities.Asymptomatic LPL/WM might have occurred first,then myelodysplastic syndromerelated AML developed,and finally aggressive DLBCL arose.Therefore,medical staff should pay attention to this rare phenomenon to avoid misdiagnoses.

The Applications of Mitoxantrone and Its Liposome in Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rapidly progressing hematopoietic malignancy, can only be cured hopefully by hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT). Before HSCT, we usually exert effects by attempting certain regimens to induce these tumor cells to death. Administered in AML patients, the classic “3 + 7” intensive induction regimen including anthracyclines and cytarabine is recommended by guidelines worldwide. However, conventional regimens consist of anthracyclines, a category of drug limited by cumulative, dose-related, progressive myocardial damage and congestive heart failure occurs when its total doses break through the cut-off. Based on this background, mitoxantrone (MIT), an anthraquinone, was developed to a new form to reduce cardiotoxicity. Meanwhile, the nanomedicine, mitoxantrone liposome (Lipo-MIT), was characterized by improved bioavailability and limited toxicity. This drug has great therapeutic potential, but different side effects. We conclude the overall history and development of MIT and Lipo-MIT, which show controversial efficacy of MIT compared to doxorubicin and therapeutic potential of Lipo-MIT. This article reviewed the application of MIT and liposome forms in adult AML patients. .

Prognostic Value of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Objective: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous, hematologic malignancy at which short survival may be seen. Our study aims to evaluate the effect of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on the course of the disease, response to therapy, and overall survival (OS). Materials and Methods: A total of 124 patients followed-up with the diagnosis of AML from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively examined. Results: 69 of the cases (55.6%) were men and 55 (44.3%) were women. The average age at the time of diagnosis was 53.44 ± 30.3 years old. We determined the NLR as median 0.46 (0.16 - 1.1). In AML, 69 patients were responsive to the induction regimen (57.9%) while 46 patients were unresponsive (37.8%). 5 patients died before completing the regimen. D-dimer was found to be higher and fibrinogen was found to be lower in the responsive group. Lower OS was observed in cases of >60 years of age, male gender, non-APL AML, high NLR, and recurrence at diagnosis. Recurrences were detected in 23 patients (18.5%) and the median time to the recurrence was 416 (236 - 639) days. Fibrinogen level and the bone marrow blast ratio at the time of application were determined to be associated with recurrence. The median follow-up time was 856 (143 - 1276) days. Final condition analysis reveals that 74 patients (59.6%) are alive. Conclusion: We determined in our study that the NLR is effective on survival. Medical literature on this subject is scanty and prospective studies with large patient groups are needed.

Dectin-1 rs3901533 and rs7309123 Polymorphisms Increase Susceptibility to Pulmonary Invasive Fungal Disease in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia from a Chinese Han Population

This study aimed to assess whether genetic variants of dendritic cell-associated C-type lectine-1(Dectin-1),Toll-like receptor 2(TLR2),Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),and myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MyDHH)influence the susceptibility to pulmonary invasive fungal disease(IFD)in patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML)from a Chinese Han population.Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of Dectin-1(rs 16910526,rs3901533,and rs7309123),TLR2(rs5743708),TLR4(rs4986790 and rs4986791)and MyD88(rs4988453 and rs4988457)in the genomic DNA of 172 adult AML patients were genotyped.Pulmonary IFD was diagnosed as proven or probable according to the 2008 European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group(EORTC/MSG)consensus guidelines.SNPs that were significant in the univariate analysis were further analyzed using the multiple logistic regression analysis to determine their association with the occurrence of pulmonary IFD.The mRNA expression of Dectin-1 was detected according to the genotype by quantitative realtime PCR(qRT-PCR),and the correlation of this expression with the occurrence of pulmonary IFD in AML patients was analyzed.Two Dectin-1 intron SNPs(rs3901533 and rs7309123)were found to be significantly associated with the susceptibility to pulmonary IFD in AML patients in a Chinese Han population.Significant associations were noted between pulmonary IFD and Dectin-1 rs3901533 dominant model(G/T+G/G vs.T/T,OR:2.158;95%Cl:1.109-4.2,P=0.02),Dectin-1 rs3901533 G allele(OR:2.201;95%Cl:1.206-4.019,P=0.01),or Dectin-1 rs7309123 C allele(OR:1.919;95%Cl:1.047-3.518,P=0.03).There were no significant associations between pulmonary IFD and the remaining Dectin-1 SNPs(rs 16910526),TLR2(rs5743708),TLR4(rs4986790 and rs4986791)or MyDHH(rs4988453 and rs4988457).In conclusion,two Dectin-1 SNPs(rs3901533 and rs7309123)are associated with increased susceptibility to pulmonary IFD in AML patients in a Chinese Han population.

Synchronous diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia:Two case reports

BACKGROUND The concurrence of acute myeloid leukemia(AML)and chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL)is rare.Previous reports of such cases have focused mainly on clinical diagnosis and characteristics,so the mechanism remains unclear,and therapy options have been poorly explored.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report two cases of synchronous AML and CLL.Flow cytometry revealed two distinct abnormal cell populations(myeloblasts and lymphoid cells)according to scatter characteristics.CD5-positive B cell lymphoma with myeloid leukemia invasion was observed on lymph node biopsy.Chemotherapy regimens indicated for both AML and CLL were used in our patients,and our patients achieved complete response after chemotherapy.Next-generation sequencing of 88 genes was performed.CONCLUSION We conclude that early mutation and dysregulation at the hematopoietic stem cell stage and the accumulation of multiple rearrangements may cause the concurrence of CLL and AML.The treatment of infection and combination therapy aimed at the CLL component are significant in the management of patients with concurrent CLL and AML.

High frequency of CD34+CD38-/low immature leukemia cells is correlated with unfavorable prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia

AIM To evaluate the importance of the CD34+CD38-cell population when compared to the CD34+CD38+/low and CD34+CD38+/high leukemic cell sub-populations and to determine its correlations with leukemia characteristics and known prognostic factors, as well as with response to therapy and survival.METHODS Two hundred bone marrow samples were obtained at diagnosis from 200 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia(AML) were studied between September 2008 and December 2010 at our Institution(Hematology Department, Lyon, France). The CD34/CD38 cell profile was analyzed by multiparameter flowcytometry approach using 8 C panels and FACS CANTO and Diva software(BD Bioscience).RESULTS We analyzed CD34 and CD38 expression in bone marrow samples of 200 AML patients at diagnosis, and investigated the prognostic value of the most immature CD34+CD38-population. Using a cut-off value of 1% of CD34+CD38-from total "bulk leukemic cells" we found that a high(> 1%) level of CD34+CD38-blasts at diagnosis was correlated with advanced age, adverse cytogenetics as well as with a lower rate of complete response after induction and shorter disease-free survival. In a multivariate analysis considering age, leukocytosis, the % of CD34+ blasts cells and the standardized cytogenetic and molecular risk subgroups, a percentage of CD34+CD38-leukemic cells > 1% was an independent predictor of DFS [HR = 2.8(1.02-7.73), P = 0.04] and OS [HR = 2.65(1.09-6.43), P = 0.03].CONCLUSION Taken together, these results show that a CD34/CD38 "backbone" for leukemic cell analysis by multicolour flowcytometry at diagnosis provides useful prognostic information.

Disseminated Fusarium bloodstream infection in a child with acute myeloid leukemia:A case report

BACKGROUND Disseminated Fusarium is rare in healthy children.Children with hematological tumors may have secondary fungal infections,including Fusarium infections,which are due to tumor bone marrow infiltration or prolonged bone marrow suppression after chemotherapy.Because of the lack of typical clinical manifestations and effective antifungal drugs,early diagnosis and treatment of the disease are difficult,and the prognosis is poor.CASE SUMMARY The patient in this case was a 13-year-old female child with rash and fever as the first symptoms.She had the characteristics of the four stages of skin that are typical of Fusarium infection.She was diagnosed with disseminated Fusarium infection through skin biopsy and blood culture and diagnosed with Fusarium solani infection based on the morphological characteristics of the blood culture.After treatment with liposome amphotericin B combined with voriconazole,the child recovered.CONCLUSION This case highlights that for children with secondary agranulocytosis after receiving chemotherapy for hematological malignancies,once typical abnormal skin damage is found,the possibility of Fusarium infection should be considered,and voriconazole alone or in combination with polyenes may be the most effective anti-Fusarium drugs.Amphotericin B,the traditional drug of disseminated Fusarium disease,has a high mortality rate,and it is not recommended to use it alone.Adequate neutrophil counts are essential for the treatment of disseminated Fusarium bloodstream infection.

A phase Ⅳ study of homoharringtonine, cytarabine, aclacinomycin and G-CSF(HCAG) regimen compared with traditional IA regimen in the treatment of newly diagnosed elderly acute myeloid leukemia patients

Objective · To compare the efficacy and prognostic factors of HCAG regimen with traditional IA regimen in the treatment of newly diagnosed elderly acute myeloid leukemia(AML) patients. Methods · Forty-one patients with AML(aged 55-71 years) were randomly divided into two groups(Group HCAG and Group IA) between 2014 and 2016 for induction and consolidation therapy. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify prognostic factors for relapse-free survival(RFS). Results · A total of 29 patients(70.7%) achieved complete remission(CR). The estimated 2-year overall survival(OS) was 66.8% in Group HCAG and 75.4% in Group IA(P=0.913). The estimated 2-year RFS was 61.8% in Group HCAG and 49.1% in Group IA(P=0.411). Age remained as the unfavorable prognostic factor, leading to significant differences in OS and RFS. In addition, RFS was influenced by cytogenetic/molecular risk stratification. Conclusion · Although HCAG seemed not to particularly benefit the group, the dose reduction of anthracyclines may be applied in elderly patients with comparable short-time outcome. Furthermore, the introduction of homoharringtonine resulted in an improvement of treatment response for more than 20% compared with CAG regimen.

Cutaneous Symptoms Revealing M5 Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report

Cutaneous presentation revealing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is rare, and the prognosis is poor. We report a case of an 11-month-old male who presented with cutaneous lesions present as diffuse purplish papulo-nodular lesions, revealing M5 acute myeloid leukemia. Skin biopsy and immunohistochemical examination, combined with routine blood analysis and bone marrow examination, contributed to early diagnosis. However, despite intensive chemotherapy treatment, the prognosis was poor and death occurred during the first months of treatment.

Treatment patterns and a prognostic scoring system for elderly acute myeloid leukemia patients:a retrospective multicenter cohort study in China

Objective:Acute myeloid leukemia(AML)is primarily a malignant disorder affecting the elderly.We aimed to compare the outcomes of different treatment patterns in elderly AML patients and to propose a prognostic scoring system that could predict survival and aid therapeutic decisions.Methods:Patients aged≥60 years who had been diagnosed with AML at 7 hospitals in China were enrolled(n=228).Treatment patterns included standard chemotherapy,low intensity therapy,and best supportive care(BSC).Results:The early mortality rates were 31%,6.8%,and 6.3%for the BSC,low intensity therapy,and standard chemotherapy groups,respectively.The complete remission rate of the standard chemotherapy group was higher than that of the low intensity therapy group.The median overall survival(OS)was 561 days and 222 days for the standard chemotherapy and low intensity therapy groups,respectively,and were both longer than that of the BSC group(86 days).Based on multivariate analyses,we defined a prognostic scoring system that enabled classification of patients into 3 risk groups,in an attempt to predict the OS of patients receiving chemotherapies and low intensity therapies.Low and intermediate risk patients benefited more from standard chemotherapies than from low intensity therapies.However,the median OS was comparable between standard chemotherapies and low intensity therapies in high risk patients.Conclusions:Our prognostic scoring system could predict survival and help select appropriate therapies for elderly AML patients.Standard chemotherapy is important for elderly AML patients,particularly for those categorized into low and intermediate risk groups.

20-Hydroxyecdysone from Dacrycarpus imbricatus bark inhibits the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia cells

Objective:To investigate the anti-proliferative effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone isolated from the bark of Dacrycarpus imbricatus(Blume) de Laub.Methods:Column chromatography was used for isolation of compounds from plant material.The structure of the isolated compound was identified by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques,including HSQC,HMBC,NOE-difference experiments.The isolated compound was tested for its anti-proliferative activity in acute myeloid leukemia(AML) and OCI-AML cells.Results:Compound 1 was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Dacrycarpus imbricatus barks by column chromatography.Its chemical structure was identified as 20-hydroxyecdysone(20HE),a cholestane-type ecdysteroid,by a combination of mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometric analyses.Our goal was to test the anti-proliferative activity of 20 HE using the OCI-AML cell line.20 HE significantly decreased OCI cell number at a concentration of 1 mg/mL,whereas lower concentrations were ineffective.Moreover,this decrease was due to partial blockage of the G_1/S phase of the cell cycle,with a reduction of cells in the G_2M phase,not due to increased apoptosis.Conclusions:This indicates that 20 HE significantly decreases the number of cells in the G_1/S phase of the cell cycle in human AML cells.This is the first time that the anti-proliferative activity of 20 HE against a human tumor cell line has been reported.

Molecular testing for acute myeloid leukemia

In the era of personalized medicine,information on molecular change at the gene level is important for patient care.Such information has been used for disease classification,diagnosis,prognosis,risk stratification,and treatment,which is especially important in cancer patient care.Many molecular tests exist and can be used to detect the molecular changes at gene level.These tests include,but are not limited to,karyotyping,endpoint polymerase chain reaction(PCR),real-time PCR,Sanger sequencing,pyrosequencing,nextgeneration sequencing,and so forth.How to use the right tests for the right patients at the right time is essential for optimal patient outcome.This review puts together some information on molecular testing for acute myeloid leukemia.