Barcelona researchers identify six genes to predict AML survival

Scientists at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona have identified a six-gene signature that can predict survival outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study, published in Science Advances, utilizes a scoring system called ‘PHFScore’ to classify patients into groups with distinct survival prospects.

The research involved cross-referencing laboratory experiments with clinical patient records to identify consistent genetic patterns. Researchers found that higher activity in the genes CARMIL1, HOPX, and ALDH1A1 is associated with poor clinical outcomes, while lower activity in CALR, STAR, and PHF19 correlates with different prognostic scenarios.

According to senior author Luciano Di Croce, combining these genes provides a dramatic improvement in prognostic accuracy compared to using single markers. The researchers noted that measuring these six genes could be simpler and more cost-effective than broad genetic profiling, potentially leading to new diagnostic tests and therapeutic targets.