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Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 and 2 are found in approximately 15–25% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG), an oncometabolite of α-ketoglutarate, has been previously studied as a disease biomarker. Andrew M. Brunner from Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA, and colleagues conducted a study to examine 2HG as a potential biomarker of disease activity and response, the role of 2HG regarding the type and clonal burden of IDH1/2 mutations, and whether the above factors can predict outcomes and support treatment decision-making for newly diagnosed patients with IDH1/2 AML who received standard chemotherapy. The paper was published in Cancer in November 2018.
In total, 202 patients (median age = 65 years; range, 19–87), who had IDH1/2 mutation status available, were included in this analysis. Initial treatment with ‘7 + 3’ chemotherapy was administered in 140 cases (69%). Fifty-seven patients (28%) received HMA-based therapy, five patients received alternative induction regimens such as topotecan plus cytarabine (four patients) or intermediate dose of cytarabine (one patient). Serum, urine, and bone marrow samples were assessed to measure 2HG levels.
In summary, “among patients with IDH1/2-mutated AML, 2HG levels are highly specific for the mutational status at diagnosis, and they have prognostic relevance in patients receiving standard chemotherapy." In addition, initial 2HG levels had a significant predictive value for IDH1/2 mutations during induction chemotherapy. This will allow to better identify early treatment strategies, moreover, early identification of mutations may help to guide patient-tailored treatment options from the outset of IDH1/2 mutated AML. Larger trials are underway evaluating AML patients with IDH1/2 mutations and further studying 2HG and clonal dynamics with combination therapies including mutant IDH1/2 inhibitors (NCT02677922, NCT02632708). These clinical trials will deliver a further understanding of monitoring responses and targeting interventions in patients with AML.
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