What is the FLT3 gene? 
The FLT3 gene (FMS-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3) codes for a tyrosine kinase enzyme that is normally active in bone marrow cells.  It is responsible for normal growth and replacement of white blood cells.  In Acute Myelogenous Leukemia this gene has been found to be mutated in about 25% of leukemia cases.  These mutations lead to the activation of FLT3 which helps contribute to growth and proliferation of leukemia cells.

What is the NPM1 Gene? 
The NPM1 (Nucleophosmin 1) gene codes for a protein that has many different functions.  The NPM1 gene is mutated in about 30% of AML leukemia patients.  These mutations disrupt the normal function of the NPM1 gene and cause it to be incorrectly localized in the cell.

What does a positive for FLT3 mean to me? 
Patients with mutations in the FLT3 gene generally have a poor prognosis when compared to patients without the mutation.  Being positive for FLT3 may make you eligible for one of several exciting clinical trials with therapies targeting the FLT3 gene.  Please see our clinical trials page for current trials targeting the FLT3 gene.

What does a positive for NPM1 mean to me? 
Patients with mutations in the NPM1 gene generally have a better prognosis than patients without the mutation.  

Are there any clinical trials designed for patients with FLT3 mutations?
Yes there are currently several different clinical trials targeting the FLT3 gene. These trials are for tyrosine kinase inhibitors which have shown promise in other leukemias.  Please see our clinical trials page for current trials targeting the FLT3 gene.

Does having this mutation mean my children or family is more susceptible to leukemia?
No.  Both the FLT3 and NPM1 genes are only mutated in the leukemia cells and the mutations aren't present in the normal cells of the body.