Prognostic factors in acute myeloid leukemia

Purpose of review: Cytogenetics offers the most important prognostic information at both presentation and relapse. However, this classification appears to be insufficient, especially for patients presenting with standard-risk cytogenetics, whose relapse risk is variable. Other prognostic factors, stratifying this heterogeneous group of patients into more clearly defined risk groups, are warranted. Recent findings: Several molecular markers have been described that predict for long-term outcome in this heterogeneous group of patients; however, there is as yet no consensus as to the prognostic significance of each. Time to morphologic and molecular remission may also be important; however, further studies are warranted to establish their prognostic role in acute myeloid leukemia. Summary: Much has been learnt over the past decade and a better understanding of disease biology, determined by gene expression profiling and proteomic analyses, may help to target therapy and improve the outcome.