INTRODUCTION: With the increasing availability of novel targeted therapies and next-generation sequencing (NGS) hematology panels, the treatment paradigm for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has recently been altered. Specifically, patients who bear mutations within the FMS-like tyrosine kinase (FLT3) gene or the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 or IDH2 genes may now be candidates for targeted treatments either in the frontline or relapsed or refractory (R/R) settings. The sequential targeted approach to AML patients who harbor mutations within both FLT3 and IDH genes has yet to be elucidated.
CASE PRESENTATION : Herein, we report a case of an elderly patient with FLT3 and IDH1 mutations who underwent induction chemotherapy in combination with midostaurin, and subsequently, ivosidenib in the R/R setting. Clonal evaluation was demonstrated with repeated cytogenetic analysis and NGS of blood and bone marrow specimens. At diagnosis, the patient’s AML harbored several pathogenic gene variants, including FLT3 and IDH1 mutations. Following induction chemotherapy with midostaurin, the patient’s FLT3 mutation was no longer detected. Upon relapse, the FLT3 mutation was still undetectable, however the IDH1 mutation remained. Unfortunately, the patient’s AML did not respond to ivosidenib, and expansion of a leukemic clone with a BCOR mutation was observed.
CONCLUSION: This case conveys the use of multiple targeted therapies in a sequential fashion for an AML patient with frequent completion of NGS panels to monitor clonal evolution. Given that a considerable minority of patients harbor both FLT3 and IDH mutations, further investigations evaluating optimal sequencing or combinations of targeted therapies are required.