AMELIORATE is a Phase III, randomized trial aiming to personalize treatment intensity in FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia. The current study provides an early appraisal of chemosensitivity based on peripheral blasts clearance, as assessed by multiparameter flow cytometry, from baseline to day 4 of induction. This biomarker was previously demonstrated to predict complete remission achievement and measurable residual disease status. For patients experiencing low peripheral blast cells (i.e., ≤2.0 logs), two major adjustments of treatment as compared with current standard of care are envisioned in the experimental arm: the immediate switch to intensified induction with high-doses cytarabine (1500 mg/m2 b.i.d. on days 5-7 of induction); and the early allocation of the patient to high-risk disease category, to be further refined later based on postinduction measurable residual disease status.
Keywords: AML; FLT3 mutations; acute myeloid leukemia; induction; peripheral blast clearance; risk stratification.
Lay abstract The initial treatment of acute myeloid leukemia is called induction and aims to reduce significantly the number of leukemic cells in the bone marrow. In young adults, this phase comprises several agents, including conventional chemotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, and targeted drugs. Conventionally, induction is delivered as a single block of therapy, the response to which can be appreciated 3–4 weeks after its completion. The authors previously showed that the response to induction can be anticipated by the speed of disappearance of leukemic cells from peripheral blood after four days of therapy. In the AMELIORATE study, the authors aim to personalize the intensity of treatment based on this biomarker, by early intensification of treatment in patients who are predicted to have a poor response.