Are activating FLT3 mutations rare in children with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia?
This first reported mutational analysis for both FLT3-ITD and FLT3-ALM performed in JMML documents the presence of FLT3 mutations within JMML, but at a sufficiently low prevalence as to be clinically insignificant for most patients. Despite the poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options for JMML patients with refractory disease, compassionate therapy with targeted FLT3 inhibitors should not be considered in this patient population until adequate safety and efficacy data become available.
Many surgeons have knowledge gaps in the safe use of widely used energy-based devices. A formal curriculum in this area can address this gap and contribute to increased safety.