Common genetic abnormalities that are predictive of high, intermediate or low risk are shown in Table 2.
- Chromosome and gene abnormalities contribute towards two thirds of the risk stratification of patients with AML.
- Risk stratification of AML patients is carried out to evaluate their risk of relapsing. This can help predict their prognosis.
- High risk of relapsing is linked to a poor prognosis
- Intermediate risk of relapsing is linked to an average prognosis
- Low risk of relapsing is linked to a good prognosis
- Patients with low-risk AML, for example, have a low risk of relapse and a good prognosis. However, patients with high-risk AML have a high risk of relapse and will need to undergo intensive treatment.
- Patients’ risk stratification can change during their treatment, but the haematology team will be able to provide updates as to the prognosis.
