Despite benefits of targeted therapies for genetic mutations in AML, a limitation with this approach is that the mutation may only be present in a subset of cells or the mutation may not even be the driver of the disease. Dr Harry Erba of Duke University, Durham, NC, suggests that more general treatments such as chemotherapy or drugs inducing apoptosis in leukemia cells may be more effective. One such drug is Vadastuximab talirine, which targets the CD33 antibody, a cell surface molecule in AML. Dr Erba also discusses findings from clinical trials testing such antibody-based drugs in patients with AML. This interview was recorded at the 2018 Society of Hematologic Oncology (SOHO) Annual Meeting in Houston, TX.
Limitations of targeted therapy for AML
