FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutation is present in 25% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases. It is associated with poor prognosis due to a high relapse rate and short remission duration. Consequently, various FLT3 inhibitors were developed. Two second-generation FLT3 inhibitors, including gilteritinib and quizartinib, are used for treating relapsed/refractory FLT3-mutated AML. Additionally, in May 2023, quizartinib was approved for newly-diagnosed FLT3-mutated AML, in combination with standard remission induction, consolidation, and maintenance therapies based on a phase 3 trial. Furthermore, high relapse rates were observed even in patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation while in their first complete remission, and post-transplant maintenance therapy using oral FLT3 inhibitors has been tried. This review summarizes breakthroughs in treatments of FLT3-mutated AML aiming for a better prognosis.
Keywords: Acute myeloid leukemia; FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3; Gilteritinib; Quizartinib.