Sorafenib as treatment for relapsed or refractory pediatric acute myelogenous leukemia

The prognosis for children with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) has improved with overall survival rates of up to 65% [Pui et al. J Clin Oncol 2011; 29: 551–565]. However, the cure rate for AML lags behind that of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Advances in AML leukemogenesis are leading to refined risk stratification. FMS like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations are independently associated with a poor prognosis. Newer kinase inhibitors, including sorafenib, have shown promise in adult studies. We report three pediatric patients with relapsed AML who achieved a sustained remission with sorafenib. Further trials are necessary to understand the role of sorafenib in pediatric AML. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:756–757. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.