Expert consensus guidelines for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract

The European LeukemiaNet (ELN) has regularly updated its guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults, most recently in 2022, incorporating advances in our understanding of AML molecular pathogenesis, the evaluation of measurable residual disease, and the development of novel molecularly targeted therapies. While pediatric and adult AML share certain features, there are fundamental differences—such as unique biological characteristics of pediatric AML, age-dependent variations in drug tolerability, the need for age-specific dosing and pediatric formulations, and the importance of addressing late effects to improve the long-term prognosis. To address these pediatric-specific needs, an international panel of experts was convened to develop of a pediatric version of the ELN guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric AML. As a member of this expert panel, the author provides an overview of the guidelines and discusses potential challenges in its application within the Japanese clinical context.