Investigational FMS-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 (FLT3) Inhibitors in Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

摘要

IntroductionOutcomes for the majority of patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) remain poor. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in the understanding of the cytogenetic and molecular determinants of AML pathogenesis. One such advance is the identification of recurring mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 gene(FLT3). Currently, this marker, which appears in approximately one third of all AML patients, signifies a poorer prognosis, but also identifies an important target for therapy. FLT3 kinase inhibitors have now undergone clinical evaluation in phase I, II and III clinical trials, as both single agents and in combination with chemotherapeutics. Unfortunately, to date, none of the FLT3 inhibitors have gained FDA approval for the treatment of patients with AML. Yet, there are several promising FLT3 inhibitors are being evaluated in all phases of drug development.