The Evolving Genetics of AML: Implications for Practice in Albania and Kosovo

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically diverse clonal illness marked by the accumulation of somatically acquired genetic abnormalities in hematopoietic progenitors, leading to poor differentiation and unchecked proliferation. Over the last twenty years, the amalgamation of traditional cytogenetics, molecular genetics, and, more recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has transformed diagnostic procedures, enhanced risk stratification models, and revealed new therapeutic targets that are altering the treatment landscape. Molecular genetic analysis of CEBPA, NPM1, and FLT3 is currently standard of care in AML patients, and mutations in several other genes are becoming more important, including NPM1, TET2, KIT, DNMT3A, IDH1/2, RUNX1, AXSL1, WT1, and RAS. In this article, the authors review the most relevant literature concerning AML genetics and discuss, based on their own experience and expertise, the perspectives on precision medicine in AML, and addresses practical issues faced in low-resource nations like Albania and Kosovo.