Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been genetically characterized extensively and can now be subdivided into 9 to 11 pathogenetically different subtypes according to their profile of driver mutations. In clinical practice karyotyping and molecular analysis of NPM1, cEBPa and FLT3-ITD are required for treatment stratification and potentially genotype specific treatment. Some markers such as NPM1 not only offer prognostic information but can also serve as markers of minimal residual disease and thus have the potential to guide therapy in the future. ⋯ This entity used to be a problematic AML subgroup because of its frequent coagulation disturbances and potentially fatal bleeding problems. Today patients with APL can be treated with a chemotherapy free combination of ATRA - a differentiating agent - and Arsenic Trioxide - an apoptosis inducing agent. In patients with a leukocyte count < 10 000 / µl a cure rate of > 90 % can now be achieved.