Dive Brief:
- In a study, researchers evaluated the genomic features of AML, an aggressive form of blood cancer, in 1,540 patients. They studied more than 100 genes that are linked to leukemia, with the goal of creating a genomic organizational system based on genetic patterns.
- The researchers isolated 11 different subtypes of AML in the study.
- Their findings have implications for research and development, as well as diagnosis and treatment.
Dive Insight:
The researchers' detailed investigation led to the isolation of the different subtypes of AML, each with different genetic, clinical , biologic and morphological features. According to Elli Papaemmanuil, one of the lead investigators of the study, having this type of detailed genomic insight will greatly improve the ability to predict a patient's prognosis, assuming treatment with specific drugs.
For years, researchers have been aware of the cytogenetic heterogeneity of AML, though the genomic-mapping tools have not been available to accurately map out the genomic sub-types until recently.
"For the first time we untangled the genetic complexity seen in most AML cancer genomes into distinct evolutionary paths," she said.