In this article, we will discuss the WHO Classification of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). So, let’s get started.
Classification
The WHO has modified FAB classification of acute myeloid leukemia by reducing the number of blasts required for diagnosis from 30 to 20% and incorporated molecular, morphologic and clinical features.
(1) AML with recurrent cytogenetic translocations
AML with t(8;21) (q22;q22); AML1 (CBFα)/ETO
Acute promyelocytic leukemia [AML with t(15;17) (q22;q12) and variants; PML/RARα]
AML with abnormal bone marrow eosinophils [inv (16) (p13;q22) or t(16;16) (p13;q22) CBFβ/MYH1]
AML with 11q23 (MLL) abnormalities
(2) AML with multilineage dysplasia
With prior myelodysplastic syndrome
Without prior myelodysplastic syndrome
(3) AML and myelodysplastic syndrome, therapy related
Alkylating agent-related
Topoisomerase type II-related
Other types
(4) AML not otherwise categorised
AML minimally differentiated
AML without maturation
AML with maturation
Acute myelomonocytic leukemia
Acute monocytic leukemia
Acute erythroid leukemia
Acute megakaryocytic leukemia
Acute basophilic leukemia
Acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis
Myeloid sarcoma