Analysis of FLT3-activating mutations in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia in Jordan: association with FAB subtypes and identification of subgroups with poor prognosis

Abstract Background FLT3 mutations are common in AML, particularly in AML-M2, and CN-AML, however the incidence in Jordan is poorly studied. It infers poor prognosis in AML patients. We aimed to assess the incidence and prognostic value of FLT3 mutations in AML in Jordan. Patients and Methods 132 newly diagnosed unselected AML patients included. Patient’s demographics, including morphological, cytogenetic and molecular were collected. FLT3- mutations were detected using RT-PCR and/or NGS. Survival analysis and comparisons of incidence, remission rate, relapse and survival outcomes between FLT-3 mutated and wild type groups was done and prognostic factors were identified. Results FLT3 mutation was detected in 40% of AML patients. The highest incidence in AML-M2 subtype (47%) and CN-AML (50%). There was a significant negative association between FLT3-mutations and overall survival (OS), and trend toward improved relapse-free survival (RFS) with 3-year OS 19.17% versus 34.16% (P Conclusions FLT3 mutation is a common aberration in Jordanian AML patients with highest incidence in AML-M2 and CN-AML patients. It infers a poor prognostic impact on OS and RFS in AML patients, which may be abrogated by early allotransplant and peri-transplant use of FLT-3 inhibitors.