Practical tips for managing FLT3 mutated acute myeloid leukemia with midostaurin.

INTRODUCTION: FLT3 inhibitors have been recently introduced as novel treatment targets in patients with FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Midostaurin is an oral multikinase inhibitor that targets multiple receptor tyrosine kinases including FLT3 and has been approved for the treatment of AML with FLT3 mutations in patients candidates for intensive chemotherapy. This article presents an updated overall overview of the use of midostaurin in clinical practice. AREAS COVERED: Tests and examinations to be performed before the use of midostaurin, antifungal and antimicrobial treatment, as well as antifungal and antimicrobial prophylaxis are discussed. Practical tips for the treatment of QTc interval prolongation and heart failure are also presented. EXPERT OPINION: Midostaurin is the first agent showing significant survival benefit when combined with chemotherapy in FLT3-mutated AML patients. Optimal use of midostaurin should be a priority, being essential to know the interactions with other drugs like strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, which are particularly used in the concomitant treatment of AML patients and may increase toxicity or decrease therapeutic benefit. The active role of hematologists and nursing teams is crucial to ensure patient adherence to midostaurin treatment and to minimize adverse effects by administrating the optimal dose for each situation.

Characteristics, clinical outcomes, and risk factors of SARS-COV-2 infection in adult acute myeloid leukemia patients: experience of the PETHEMA group.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection produces higher morbidity and mortality in hematological malignancies, but evidence in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is scarce. A multicenter observational study was conducted to determine the clinical outcomes and assess the impact of therapeutic approaches in adult AML patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first wave (March-May 2020). Overall, 108 patients were included: 51.9% with active leukemia and 70.4% under therapeutic schedules for AML. Signs and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 were present in 96.3% of patients and 82.4% received specific treatment for SARS-CoV-2. The mortality rate was 43.5% and was correlated with age, gender, active leukemia, dyspnea, severe SARS-CoV-2, intensive care measures, neutrophil count, and D-dimer levels. A protective effect was found with azithromycin, lopinavir/ritonavir, and normal liver enzyme levels. During the SARS-CoV-2 first wave, our findings suggested an increased mortality in AML in a short period. SARS-CoV-2 management could be guided by risk factors in AML patients.