ELN Recommendations 2017 on Diagnosis and Management of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Adults – Comments from Clara D. Bloomfield, co-author of the paper published in Blood*

Clara D. Bloomfield, MD, worldwide-recognized expert in AML was interviewed to provide her expert opinions on the new ELN recommendations. The transcripts are found below.

Why was it important to publish new European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations on the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

Was it specifically because of the new category “myeloid neoplasms with germline predisposition” in the new WHO classification?

Table 1: WHO classification of “myeloid neoplasms with germline predisposition” and guide for molecular genetic diagnostics

What are the new diagnostic procedure recommendations and when is molecular genetic testing included in the new diagnostic workup?

Table 2: 2017 European LeukemiaNet risk stratification by genetics

Which technique will be used to assess response: RT-qPCR (Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) or MFC (Multiparameter Flow Cytometry)?

You have included a new response criterion: CR_MRD.?

Table 3: Response criteria in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Will it be easy for hospitals to use this new response criterion?

You have established a new response criterion: “Progressive Disease”; can you explain why?