The Effect of FLT3 Stimulators and their Role in Stem Cell Maintenance and Therapy

Abstract

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is important in the normal development of stem cells and the immune system. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), there is an activating mutation of this tyrosine kinase gene. This mutation results in the survival and proliferation of leukemic blasts, which can result in an adverse prognosis. Consequently, FLT3- inhibition has become of interest for the treatment of myeloid leukemias such as AML. Tryosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are being developed and investigated for FLT3-mutated AML, and many are beginning to show efficient results. AML has a progressive low survival rate with the standard medical care being chemotherapy. AML patients have shown to have a mutation in the FLT3 gene in more than 30% of patient cases. Knowing this correlation, it is important to further investigate tyrosine kinase inhibitors use for treatment. This review summarizes information of what FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 is and how it is important in the process of hematopoiesis. Then it will discuss the correlation of FLT3 mutation in patients with AML. Lastly, the advancement of treatment of AML using FLT3 inhibitors or TKIs will be discussed.