Multi-dimensional analysis of adult acute myeloid leukemia cross-continents reveals age-associated trends in mutational landscape and treatment outcomes (Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cooperative Group & Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology).

This study analyzed 2,823 adult AML patients from the US and Germany, assessing molecular genetic features and outcomes in relation to age using targeted sequencing.

The frequency of gene mutations and cytogenetic abnormalities changed progressively with age, showing similar patterns across cohorts.

Overall survival declined almost linearly with increasing age across all genetic risk groups defined by the 2022 European LeukemiaNet criteria.

While the youngest patients exhibited distinct mutational profiles and better outcomes compared to older patients, no clear age cut-off was identified to divide patients into “younger” and “older” categories.

The findings suggest that rigid age thresholds for treatment decisions, drug approvals, and trial eligibility should be reconsidered in favor of more flexible, age-associated approaches.