Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: a review of the molecular biology, prognostic models and treatment

Abstract

SUMMARY Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a genetically heterogeneous hematologic neoplasm that manifests with features of both a myelodysplastic syndrome and a myeloproliferative neoplasm. Recent advances in the characterization of recurrent genetic markers have resulted in a better understanding of the leukemia-initiating events and have distinguished CMML from other clonal hematopoietic malignancies. Although these mutations may lead to CMML-specific therapies in the relatively near future, the current state of therapy for CMML is based on treatments designed for the myelodysplastic syndromes. Here we review the recurrent genetic mutations and, if known, their clinical significance. We also review the treatment and available CMML-specific prognostic models and novel therapies moving forward.