Implication of higher BAALC expression in combination with other gene mutations in adult cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract

Data for 125 patients with cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) regarding BAALC and combinatorial molecular markers at diagnosis were evaluated. Fewer patients with higher BAALC expression at diagnosis achieved a complete remission (CR) (49.2 vs. 75.8%, p = 0.002) after the first cycle of chemotherapy, and there were more primary refractory cases (37.3 vs. 18.2%, p = 0.017). In a combinatorial analysis, FLT3-ITD-positive patients with higher BAALC showed more refractoriness and the worst overall survival (OS) (p < 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (p < 0.001) in CN-AML. When NPM1-mutated CN-AML was combined with either FLT3-ITD mutation or higher BAALC expression, both OS (p = 0.043) and DFS (p = 0.008) were worse; when combined with both, it showed the worst OS (p < 0.001) and DFS (p = 0.004). Higher BAALC expression and FLT3-ITD mutation, both individually and in combination, were associated with worse survival outcomes in CN-AML, and this was also applicable in NPM1-mutated CN-AML, known as a favorable-risk group.