Know AML webinar | How can physicians and patients communicate more clearly about mutation testing in AML going forward?

Know AML hosted a webinar for patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on April 23, 2025, titled ‘Mutation testing in AML: What you need to know’. Here, we share a discussion between Gail J. Roboz, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, US, and Ralph Hills, Connecticut, US, where they consider how physicians and patients can communicate more clearly about mutation testing in AML.

Roboz emphasized the importance of providing patients with clear, evidence-based information in a supportive manner, avoiding overwhelming technical language unless requested (Figure 1). She highlighted the need for open communication, encouraging questions, and creating a space where patients feel comfortable and empowered to make decisions. Hills enquired about the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in guiding treatment. Roboz explained that though online tools such as Google and AI may seem helpful, they can often mislead, and put forward that, regardless of how much information patients have, patients want to feel genuinely cared for and to know someone is looking out for them, while Craddock noted that AI could be useful in streamlining clinical trials and improving their accessibility for patients. Roboz identified the value of staying informed about the latest treatments, especially for serious conditions such as AML, and encouraged patients to ask critical questions about their disease, diagnosis, and treatment plan (Figure 2). Craddock added that collaboration among physicians is also crucial to ensure patients receive the best possible care.

This independent educational activity is supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific.
All content is developed independently by the faculty. The funder is allowed no influence on the content.