Prognostic factors in acute myeloid leukemia

Purpose of review Cytogenetics offers the most important prognostic-information at both presentation and relapse. However, this classification appears to be insufficient, especially for patients presenting with standard-risk cytogenetics, whose relapse risk is variable. Other prognostic factors, stratifying this heterogeneous group of patients into more clearly defined risk groups, are warranted. Recent findings Several molecular markers have been described that predict for long-term outcome in this heterogeneous group of patients; however, there is as yet no consensus as to the prognostic significance of each. Time to morphologic and molecular remission may also be important; however, further studies are warranted to establish their prognostic role in acute myeloid leukemia. Summary Much has been learnt over the past decade and a better understanding of disease biology, determined by gene expression profiling and proteomic analyses, may help to target therapy and improve the outcome.