What is FLT3 mutation in AML?

FLT3 is a gene change, or mutation, in leukemia (blood cancer) cells. It’s the most common genetic change in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of leukemia that starts in the bone marrow and often moves into the blood. The FLT3 gene contains instructions for a protein called FLT3, which helps white blood cells grow.

How common is FLT3 mutation in AML?

Mutations of the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene occur in approximately 30% of all AML cases, with the internal tandem duplication (ITD) representing the most common type of FLT3 mutation (FLT3-ITD; approximately 25% of all AML cases).

What causes FLT3 mutation?

One common mechanism of FLT3 inhibitor resistance is development of a secondary FLT3 mutation, most commonly in the KD (58). These mutations commonly occur at gatekeep F691 and activation loop (AL) D835 residues, but can involve other KD residues I836, D839, and Y842, among others (59).

What is the FLT3 gene?

The FLT3 gene provides instructions for making a protein called fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), which is part of a family of proteins called receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Receptor tyrosine kinases transmit signals from the cell surface into the cell through a process called signal transduction.

How do you test for FLT3 mutation?

Clinically validated FLT3/ITD testing is performed with a PCR-based assay of DNA isolated from patient’s leukemia cells (blood or bone marrow with blast burden). Capillary electrophoresis is used to resolve the amplicon products.

Is FLT3 mutation hereditary?

This genetic mutation does not run in families, but it may increase the risk of chronic myeloid leukemia. The authors of a 2019 study found that certain gene mutations, specifically FLT3-ITD and NRAS mutations, frequently appear in people who have AML-M5, a type of AML that forms in immature white blood cells.

What is FLT3 wild type?

FLT3, a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed on early multipotential and lymphoid hematopoietic progenitors in the mouse and also on HSCs in humans[2–5], is one of the most frequently mutated genes in AML. Mutations cause constitutive activation, and are often associated with worse prognosis[2].

What is FLT test?

Functional Literacy and Possession of Skill Test(FLT)