Dr. Roboz on the Importance of Genomic Analysis in AML

Gail J. Roboz, MD, professor of medicine, director of the Clinical and Translational Leukemia Program, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, discusses the importance of utilizing genomic analysis to help guide treatment decisions in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

It has become standard practice for all patients with AML to undergo a genomic analysis with a targeted sequencing panel, according to Roboz. In many sites throughout the United States, and worldwide, it can be difficult to get the results of these analyses in real time, as there can be delays of up to 4 weeks, and in some cases, insurance barriers for patients, Roboz says. However, performing these analyses is crucial as the results can have therapeutic implications, Roboz explains. For example, for patients with FLT3, IDH1, and IDH2 mutations, there are targeted therapies available for treatment. 

Additionally, these genomic testing results can have prognostic implications, Roboz adds. When cytogenetic and molecular data are available, a more refined prognosis can be delivered to a patient, Roboz says. Moreover, there may soon be measurable residual disease applications for sequencing data that could potentially lead to the eradication of detachable mutations after therapy and help to define further treatment, Roboz notes.

As such, sequencing data from patients should be collected both at the time of diagnosis, and at a minimum of once after relapse, Roboz concludes.