Use Of FMS-like Tyrosine Kinase 3 Inhibitors Research Articles

FLT3 targeting in the modern era: from clonal selection to combination therapies.

Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is the most frequently mutated gene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Modern targeting of FLT3 with inhibitors has improved clinical outcomes and FLT3 inhibitors have been incorporated into the treatment of AML in all phases of the disease, including the upfront, relapsed/refractory and maintenance settings. This review will discuss the current understanding of FLT3 biology, the clinical use of FLT3 inhibitors, resistance mechanisms and emerging combination treatment strategies.

Bridging to transplant and post-transplant maintenance therapy with FLT3 inhibitors in patients with relapsed or refractory FLT3 mutated acute myeloid leukemia

ABSTRACTObjectives and MethodsThis single-center retrospective study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitors before and after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in relapsed/refractory patients with FLT3-mutation positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML).ResultsTen patients who met the eligibility criteria were included. Eight of them achieved hematological remission at HCT, within a median span of 79 days (range: 43–197). In post-HCT, patients started maintenance therapy (MT; median time-to-start 79 days, range: 43–197), and the median duration of MT was 390 days (range: 67–815). Grade 3 hematological adverse events (AEs) were found in two patients, and non-hematological AEs were found in five patients. Nine patients underwent either dose reduction, discontinuation of therapy, or a switch to another FLT3 inhibitor due to AEs. Disease relapse occurred in one patient during MT. At the time of the last follow-up, seven patients are alive and disease-free, while three have died due to infection or transplant complications.ConclusionIn relapsed/refractory FLT3 mutation-positive AML, the use of FLT3 inhibitors can lead to high response rates and provide a safe bridge from HCT to MT. If sufficient attention is paid to safety, this therapy is expected to prevent disease relapse even with reduced dosages.

An Ex-Vivo Combination Drug Sensitivity Platform for Predicting Sensitivity to FLT3 Inhibitor-Based Combination in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Introduction Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonally heterogenous group of disorders with many treatment options. Despite the increase in available options including targeted therapy, challenges remain in identifying patients who may respond to a given regimen. The ability to accurately predict responses to treatment is crucial given the varying response rates to standard treatments, adverse effects and increasing drug cost. In this study, we explore the ability of an ex vivo combination drug sensitivity platform, quadratic phenotypic optimization platform (QPOP), in identifying potential responders and non-responders to possible combination therapies in FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) mutant AML. We further investigate the mechanism behind selective sensitivity and resistance to FLT3 inhibitor-based combinations. Methods FLT3-ITD mutant or WT AML cell lines were treated with a set panel of drugs recommended by physicians including FLT3 inhibitors (FLT3i), midostaurin and gilteritinib. QPOP drug combination scores and ranking were derived from analysis of cell viability response in cancer cells following treatment with a series of test combinations derived from an orthogonal array composite design. Molecular analysis was conducted to determine the accuracy of QPOP predicted response and FLT3 mutant status. Subsequently, we performed a prospective cohort pilot study of QPOP analysis in AML. AML patients from the National University Hospital,Singapore, with disease amenable to blood or marrow aspiration, were recruited between 26th November 2019 and 15th July 2022 with a median follow up of 4 months. CD33 or CD34 selection was performed to enrich for malignant blasts cells, depending on the sample. Patients were treated with current standard of care treatment options as guided by clinician opinion. The primary outcomes were to determine the ability of QPOP to predict sensitivity to FLT3i-based therapies. Results QPOP analysis on 8 AML cell lines was accurately able to stratify FLT3i responders and non-responders including differential responses between an FLT3-ITD isogenic parental and FLT3i resistant line. We recruited 25 patients (2 patients having repeat QPOP evaluations post treatment) with a median age of 59 years and 2 prior lines of treatment. QPOP responses were evaluable for 18 independent treatments in 15 patients (n=3 FLT3 ITD or TKD (20%), n=12 FLT3 WT (80%)). The median turn-around time for QPOP analysis was 8 (±2.1) days. Patients with either FLT3i among the top 5 ranking 2 or 3 drug combinations were suggested to be sensitive to the use of FLT3i. QPOP analysis of FLT3 mutant patients had predicted 2 patients with the FLT3-ITD mutation to be responsive to a 2-drug combination of midostaurin-venetoclax. The third FLT3-mutant patient with a TKD point mutation was predicted to be respond to a combination of gilteritinib-dasatinib. While FLT3 WT patients did not predict sensitivity to either FLT3 inhibitor as single agents or 2-drug combinations, 4/12 (33.3%) of the WT patients also showed sensitivity to the use of gilteritinib in3-drug combination rankings. This indicates that gilteritinib may be useful for FLT3 WT patients when used in the appropriate combination therapy. Furthermore, QPOP was also able to accurately identify increased sensitivity to FLT3i-based combinations in accordance with a gain of FLT3 ITD mutation. Serial QPOP analysis in subsequent samples following midostaurin-based therapy indicated a decrease in FLT3i sensitivity that was concordant with increasing FLT3 allelic burden and development of resistance. The development of resistance to FLT3i-based combinations was correlated to an increase in phosphorylated AKT expression in both AML cell lines and the patient who developed FLT3 resistance. Conclusion QPOP analysis predicts sensitivity to drug-combinations for AML in a clinically applicable timeframe. Here we show that QPOP can be used as a tool to identify sensitivity to FLT3i-based combination therapy without prior knowledge of FLT3 mutation status. AML cell lines and patient samples can be stratified according to FLT3 inhibitor response sensitivity which parallels their mutational background and identify potential drug resistance. Further clinical study of the safety and efficacy of QPOP-derived FLT3i-based combinations as well as inquiry into the potential mechanisms of acquired resistance to these combinations will be necessary. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

"FLipping" the Story: FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia and the Evolving Role of FLT3 Inhibitors.

Simple SummaryPatients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may have a number of different mutations. Those with mutations in the FLT3 gene have a higher risk of relapse and death than those lacking these mutations. FLT3 is a key receptor on the surface of AML cells, which drives cell survival and growth. Although activation of this receptor is normally tightly controlled, in AML, FLT3 mutations allow it to activate itself, independent of external control. Over the past 5 years, a number of new drugs have been developed to specifically target these mutations. In this article, we discuss these drugs and their uses, as well as the mechanisms by which AML cells may gain resistance to them and how that resistance can be overcome.The treatment of many types of cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), has been revolutionized by the development of therapeutics targeted at crucial molecular drivers of oncogenesis. In contrast to broad, relatively indiscriminate conventional chemotherapy, these targeted agents precisely disrupt key pathways within cancer cells. FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)—encoding a critical regulator of hematopoiesis—is the most frequently mutated gene in patients with AML, and these mutations herald reduced survival and increased relapse in these patients. Approximately 30% of newly diagnosed AML carries an FLT3 mutation; of these, approximately three-quarters are internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations, and the remainder are tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations. In contrast to its usual, tightly controlled expression, FLT3-ITD mutants allow constitutive, “run-away” activation of a large number of key downstream pathways which promote cellular proliferation and survival. Targeted inhibition of FLT3 is, therefore, a promising therapeutic avenue. In April 2017, midostaurin became both the first FLT3 inhibitor and the first targeted therapy of any kind in AML to be approved by the US FDA. The use of FLT3 inhibitors has continued to grow as clinical trials continue to demonstrate the efficacy of this class of agents, with an expanding number available for use as both experimental standard-of-care usage. This review examines the biology of FLT3 and its downstream pathways, the mechanism of FLT3 inhibition, the development of the FLT3 inhibitors as a class and uses of the agents currently available clinically, and the mechanisms by which resistance to FLT3 inhibition may both develop and be overcome.

Emerging FLT3 inhibitors for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia

ABSTRACT Introduction The FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene is mutated in one-third of patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Midostaurin, quizartinib, and gilteritinib have been approved in the last years for the treatment of AML, and more Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) targeting FLT3 are being developed such as crenolanib. Areas covered In this systematic review, we will analyze the available clinical data on FLT3 inhibitors in development and describe the potential role that these FLT3-TKIs may play in the future management of FLT3-mutated (FLT3mut) AML. Expert opinion Although several aspects may challenge the use of FLT3 inhibitors in AML (resistance mechanisms, on- and off-target toxicities or drug-drug interactions), these drugs are generally well tolerated, particularly if we compare their safety profile with classical chemotherapy agents or even with newer immunotherapies, thus enabling their use in fit and unfit AML patients, alone or combined. As AML is a polyclonal disease and FLT3 mutations are a late leukemogenic event, combinations of these FLT3 inhibitors with other antileukemic agents (like venetoclax or hypomethylating agents) seem a necessary research pathway.

Incorporation of FLT3 Inhibitors Into the Treatment Regimens for FLT3 Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia: The Case for Total Therapy.

Therapeutic outcomes for acute myeloid leukemia patients with Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations have improved substantially since the discovery of small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Today, use of FLT3 inhibitors is standard in frontline intensive chemotherapy as well as patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia and FLT3 mutations and increasingly used as for prolonged remission maintenance posttransplant and/or postconsolidation. Yet, FLT3 inhibitors alone are not curative, and best outcomes are seen when the drugs are used as part of combination regimens. Optimizing therapy for patients with FLT3 mutations remains a work in progress. Overall, modern therapeutic approaches generate cure rates for this group at levels that argue against considering these mutations adverse risk. Still, such survivals require intensive therapy and often transplant. Therefore, efforts are underway to determine if lower toxicity regimens can attain comparable outcomes, at least for patients responding optimally. This review will review the various FLT3 inhibitors that are approved or in development, highlight the areas where they have been shown to add value, and identify areas where their use remains controversial.

FLT3 inhibitors in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia: current status and future perspectives.

Mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene arise in 25-30% of all acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. These mutations lead to constitutive activation of the protein product and are divided in two broad types: internal tandem duplication (ITD) of the juxtamembrane domain (25% of cases) and point mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD). Patients with FLT3 ITD mutations have a high relapse risk and inferior cure rates, whereas the role of FLT3 TKD mutations still remains to be clarified. Additionally, growing research indicates that FLT3 status evolves through a disease continuum (clonal evolution), where AML cases can acquire FLT3 mutations at relapse - not present in the moment of diagnosis. Several FLT3 inhibitors have been tested in patients with FLT3-mutated AML. These drugs exhibit different kinase inhibitory profiles, pharmacokinetics and adverse events. First-generation multi-kinase inhibitors (sorafenib, midostaurin, lestaurtinib) are characterized by a broad-spectrum of drug targets, whereas second-generation inhibitors (quizartinib, crenolanib, gilteritinib) show more potent and specific FLT3 inhibition, and are thereby accompanied by less toxic effects. Notwithstanding, all FLT3 inhibitors face primary and acquired mechanisms of resistance, and therefore the combinations with other drugs (standard chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents, checkpoint inhibitors) and its application in different clinical settings (upfront therapy, maintenance, relapsed or refractory disease) are under study in a myriad of clinical trials. This review focuses on the role of FLT3 mutations in AML, pharmacological features of FLT3 inhibitors, known mechanisms of drug resistance and accumulated evidence for the use of FLT3 inhibitors in different clinical settings.

FLT3 inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia: ten frequently asked questions.

The FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene is mutated in approximately one third of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), either by internal tandem duplications (FLT3-ITD), or by a point mutation mainly involving the tyrosine kinase domain (FLT3-TKD). Patients with FLT3-ITD have a high risk of relapse and low cure rates. Several FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been developed in the last few years with variable kinase inhibitory properties, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity profiles. FLT3 inhibitors are divided into first generation multi-kinase inhibitors (such as sorafenib, lestaurtinib, midostaurin) and next generation inhibitors (such as quizartinib, crenolanib, gilteritinib) based on their potency and specificity of FLT3 inhibition. These diverse FLT3 inhibitors have been evaluated in myriad clinical trials as monotherapy or in combination with conventional chemotherapy or hypomethylating agents and in various settings, including front-line, relapsed or refractory disease, and maintenance therapy after consolidation chemotherapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In this practical question-and-answer-based review, the main issues faced by the leukemia specialists on the use of FLT3 inhibitors in AML are addressed.

Abstract 2299: Development of a novel next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assay for measurable residual disease (MRD) in FLT3-ITD acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its potential clinical application in patients

Abstract Introduction The presence of MRD in patients with AML who are in morphologic remission has been shown to be a powerful predictor of eventual relapse. FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) internal tandem duplications (ITD) confer a negative prognostic impact by increasing risk of relapse. The ability to detect FLT3-ITD mutations in remission bone marrow specimens is hampered by the limited sensitivity at 1% of PCR-based assays. To address such limitations, we developed a novel NGS-based MRD assay for the detection of FLT3-ITD mutations. Method Genomic DNA was isolated from bone marrow (BM) aspirates or peripheral blood (PB) samples. PCR was performed to amplify exons 13 to 15 of the FLT3 gene. Highly diverse NGS libraries were then generated and sequenced using Illumina’s sequencer. Using a custom bioinformatics approach, unique FLT3-ITD mutations of varying lengths were identified and mutant allelic frequency calculated. The assay was validated using clinical samples and contrived samples. For accuracy assessment, 30 samples (including PB or BM remnant patient DNA and cell line DNA, above DNA diluted in normal DNA) were included. Data were compared with a Fragment Size Analysis by Capillary Electrophoresis assay. To assess precision, the assay was validated at multiple levels evaluating intra-assay, inter-assay, inter-operator, inter-instrument and inter-reagent lot precision. DNA samples from selected mutant cell lines representing different FLT3-ITD lengths were spiked into normal DNA to evaluate assay sensitivity and linearity. Summary The ideal DNA input range was established as 300 ng to 500 ng. In all FLT3-ITD-positive cell line samples covering diverse FLT3-ITD lengths (6 bp to 156 bp), the FLT3-ITD MRD NGS assay showed 100% concordance with the reference assay. The assay is also capable of detecting ITDs as expected after the samples were diluted in normal DNA to mimic samples from patients in remission. All acceptance criteria for the different precision parameters were met. The lower limit of detection of 0.013% regardless of ITD length was established but the assay was capable of detecting FLT3-ITD mutations at a level as low as 0.003% without false-positive results. The assay was linear (R2 = 0.958) down to FLT3-ITD allele frequency levels of 0.035% or the lower limit of quantitation. Conclusion Analytical validation results established the role of this NGS-based MRD assay for the clinical management of FLT3-ITD AML. The FLT3-ITD MRD NGS assay demonstrated high sensitivity and high specificity by detecting the unique length of each patient’s mutation with no false-positive results in expected negative samples. This assay might be helpful in defining the depth of remission, identifying persistent disease, and helping to guide decision making in the use of FLT3 inhibitors as continuation therapy. Citation Format: Wenge Shi, Christian Laing, Wei Ding, Marc Mycoco, Jelveh Lameh, Reinhold Pollner. Development of a novel next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based assay for measurable residual disease (MRD) in FLT3-ITD acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its potential clinical application in patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2299.

Clinical considerations for the use of FLT3 inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia.

Internal tandem duplications and tyrosine kinase mutations in the fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) receptor can occur in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and portend a poor prognosis. Midostaurin, a multikinase inhibitor that targets FLT3, demonstrated a survival benefit in FLT3-mutated AML in combination with front-line chemotherapy. Despite this advancement, the use of FLT3 inhibitors in clinical practice is complicated by significant drug-drug interactions and uncertainty about optimal timing, duration, and sequencing of therapy. As monotherapy, the utility of FLT3 inhibitors was initially limited by incomplete and transient clinical responses and the development of acquired resistance. This led to the development of more potent and selective FLT3 inhibitors designed to overcome common resistance mechanisms. One of these second generation FLT3 inhibitors, gilteritinib, is now FDA-approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory AML. Now that multiple FLT3 inhibitors are commercially available, it is important to further delineate the role of these agents in the AML population. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of FLT3 inhibitors in AML and apply the current literature to clinical practice.

Targeting FLT3 Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

The FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) pathway has an important role in cellular proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with mutated FLT3 have a large disease burden at presentation and a dismal prognosis. A number of FLT3 inhibitors have been developed over the years. The first-generation inhibitors are largely non-specific, while the second-generation inhibitors are more specific and more potent. These inhibitors are used to treat patients with FLT3-mutated AML in virtually all disease settings including induction, consolidation, maintenance, relapse, and after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). In this article, we will review the use of FLT3 inhibitors in AML.

Internal Tandem Duplication (ITD) in the Tyrosine Kinase Domain of FLT3 Displays Higher Oncogenic Potential in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Up to 30% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harbor a mutation in FMS like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3). This mutation is not only the most frequent, but also the most clinically challenging, because it is associated with increased risk of relapse and poor overall survival. The most common oncogenic FLT3 mutation is the internal tandem duplication (ITD) in the juxtamembrane domain (ITD-JM). Other less frequently occurring mutations include ITD mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain (ITD-TDK) and point mutations in the TKD (e. g. D835Y-TKD). Use of FLT3 inhibitors has shown initial promise, though an acquired resistance remains a problem. A need therefore remains for additional therapeutic targets, and in order to identify these we need to have a better understanding of the mechanisms by which the FLT3 mutations drive leukemogenesis. Although ITD-JM and D835Y-TKD mutations have been studied extensively, the role of the recently identified ITD-TKD remains poorly understood. In this study we compared the ITD-TKD domain mutations with other well-studied FLT3 mutations. We observed that transfection of cytokine-dependent Ba/F3 cells with ITD-TKD is sufficient to induce formation of colonies in semisolid medium in the absence of cytokines. Number and size of colonies were comparable to that of ITD-JM, while D835Y-TKD transfected cells failed to form colonies suggesting that the ITD-TKD mutations have stronger transforming potential than other TKD mutations. Similar to colony formation assays, proliferation and cell survival was significantly higher in ITD-TKD transfected cells compared to cells transfected with D835Y-TKD. ITD-TKD selectively enhanced STAT5 and AKT phosphorylation while ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation remained unchanged. Collectively our data suggest that ITD-TKD is a more potent oncogenic mutant compared to the TKD mutants. DisclosuresFischer:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria.

Inhibition of FLT3 in AML: a focus on sorafenib.

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is one of the most commonly mutated genes in AML. FLT3 is mutated in ~30% of patients with AML, either by internal tandem duplications (FLT3-ITD) of the juxta-membrane domain or by a point mutation, usually involving the tyrosine kinase domain. Several FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors are being evaluated in multiple studies aiming at improving outcomes. The most widely used is sorafenib, a potent multikinase inhibitor approved for hepatocellular carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma. Sorafenib monotherapy or in combination with conventional chemotherapy, has been evaluated in various settings in AML, including front-line, relapsed or refractory disease including post-allograft failures and, more recently, as post-transplant maintenance therapy. Encouraging data have emerged with several other agents like lestaurtinib, midostaurin, crenolanib, gilteritinib and quizartinib. Although transient responses to FLT3 inhibitors are often observed in case of disease relapse, the most promising approach is the use of FLT3 inhibitors either in combination with induction chemotherapy or as consolidation/maintenance therapy after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. In this review, we summarize the clinical data on sorafenib and other FLT3 inhibitors in AML.

FLT3 Inhibitor Treatment in FLT3-Mutated AML Is Associated with Development of Secondary FLT3-TKD Mutations

Abstract 1493 Background:The two most frequent mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) receptor are internal tandem duplication (ITD) of the juxtamembrane region and mutations involving the D835/I836 residues of the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD). They are present in approximately 30% and 7% of AML cases respectively, and have been associated with higher relapse rate and worse overall survival. ITD and TKD mutations produce constitutive activation of the FLT3 receptor; however they appear to have different downstream effectors and different clinical significance. Currently, several FLT3 kinase inhibitors are in development and although some have shown promising clinical activity, responses tend to be transient and insufficient to induce a durable response. Sensitivity of different mutants to diverse FLT3 inhibitors is variable (Zhang et al. JNCI 2008; 100: 184). Aim: To determine the change in mutation status of patients with FLT3 ITD treated with FLT3 inhibitors. Methods: We analyzed 67 patients with FLT3 mutation positive AML, treated in our institution in clinical trials with different FLT3 inhibitors from October 2002 to July 2011 and in whom we obtained mutational assessment before and after treatment. Results: At baseline 58 (87%) patients had an ITD mutation, 5 (7%) had a D835/I836 mutation and 4 (6%) had combined ITD and codon D835/I836 mutations. Thirty three patients were male, median age was 55 years (range 18–87), and the median number of prior leukemia treatments was 2 (range 1–6). Karyotype was diploid in 36%, miscellaneous in 17%, complex in 14%, not done in 23%, and insufficient in 9% of patients. Concomitant NPM1, RAS, and CEBPA mutations were observed in 21%, 13%, and 4% of the patients, respectively. Patients remained on therapy for a median time of 50 days (range 18–561) before progression, 45 (67%) did not achieve response, 13 (19%) cleared their bone marrow blasts, 6 (9%) achieved a partial response, 4 (6%) a complete response and 1 (1%) patient died during treatment. None of the patients with D835/I836 or ITD+D835/I836 achieved a response. Treatment was always discontinued due to progressive disease, except in 9 (13%) patients, 6 who cleared bone marrow blasts and proceeded to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and 3 who discontinued due to toxicity. One of them was in complete response but progressed within 4 months, and 2 who cleared their bone marrow blasts and were also bridged with other treatments to transplant. All patients in this cohort had assessment of their FLT3 mutation status at the time FLT3 inhibitor was discontinued, 14 (21%) patients progressed from a single ITD mutation to have combined ITD+D835/I836 mutations, 7 (10%) patients (6 ITD and 1 D835/I836) were negative for FLT3 mutation, and 46 (69%) patients had unchanged mutation status. At the time of this analysis, 10 patients were alive, 1 was lost to follow and 56 had died. The median survival in the entire group from the time of FLT3 inhibitor start was 5.3 months, and from time of treatment discontinuation 3.2 months. In those patients in whom the FLT3 mutation became negative the median survival was 7 months, in those with unchanged mutation 4.5 months, and in those with ITD-D835/I836 mutations the median survival was 6.1 months. Further therapy with another FLT3 inhibitor was attempted in 6 out of 14 patients with ITD-D835/I836 mutations, 5 failed to respond and 1 had a transient decrease in bone marrow blasts and peripheral white blood cell count (2 months) with a combination of a FLT3 inhibitor and a hypomethylating agent. Conclusion: There is evidence that a secondary TKD mutations arise after the use of FLT3 inhibitors in patients with single FLT3-ITD mutated AML, a phenomenon that is associated with a poor prognosis. Disclosures:Ravandi:Bayer: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding. Cortes:Ambit: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding.

FLT3-mutant allelic burden and clinical status are predictive of response to FLT3 inhibitors in AML

AbstractWe examined 6 different FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) inhibitors (lestaurtinib, midostaurin, AC220, KW-2449, sorafenib, and sunitinib) for potency against mutant and wild-type FLT3, as well as for cytotoxic effect against a series of primary blast samples obtained from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harboring internal tandem duplication (FLT3/ITD) mutations. We found that inhibition of FLT3 autophosphorylation in a FLT3/ITD specimen does not always induce cell death, suggesting that some FLT3/ITD AML may not be addicted to FLT3 signaling. Relapsed samples and samples with a high mutant allelic burden were more likely to be responsive to cytotoxicity from FLT3 inhibition compared with the samples obtained at diagnosis or those with a low mutant allelic burden. These FLT3 inhibitors varied to a considerable degree in their selectivity for FLT3, and this selectivity influenced the cytotoxic effect. These results have important implications for the potential therapeutic use of FLT3 inhibitors in that patients with newly diagnosed FLT3-mutant AML might be less likely to respond clinically to highly selective FLT3 inhibition.

Therapeutic intervention in leukemias that express the activated fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3): opportunities and challenges

The fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) receptor tyrosine kinase is now recognized to be a critical mediator in the pathogenesis of myeloid and some lymphoid leukemias. This article reviews recent efforts to disrupt FLT3 signaling in acute myelogenous leukemia and to identify potential therapeutic challenges posed by the acquisition of resistance mutations in these malignancies. Several broad classes of FLT3 protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors are undergoing evaluation in clinical trials. Although the agents are well tolerated by patients, clinical responses in relapsed or refractory acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) are limited and transient. Nevertheless, these agents may hold promise when combined with traditional chemotherapy. Use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for AML therapy is hindered by the acquisition of mutations in the kinase catalytic domain, and in the case of BCR-ABL, these mutations confer resistance to imatinib. In anticipation of this problem, FLT3 mutations that might confer resistance to kinase inhibitors in the clinical setting have already been identified in the laboratory. Strategies to overcome such resistance are currently under development. New efforts focus on blocking the binding of FLT3 ligand to its receptor as a means of inhibiting autocrine stimulation in leukemogenesis. FLT3 is widely expressed in AML and some cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia. Activating mutations in FLT3 confer a poor risk in patients with AML. The development of FLT3 small molecule kinase inhibitors follows from research efforts to understand signal transduction and profiles of gene expression in leukemia pathogenesis. Thus, FLT3 is a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Research priorities will include (1) identification of other groups of patients likely to benefit from FLT3 inhibition, (2) the optimal use of FLT3 inhibitors in combination with other agents, and (3) development of molecules that overcome resistance to FLT3 inhibitors that arise as a result of further acquired mutations in the receptor.