ETV6-FLT3-positive myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia presenting in an infant: an entity distinct from JMML

Blood Adv. 2021 Apr 13;5(7):1899-1902. doi: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003699.

Abstract

Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia (MLN-Eo) is a World Health Organization (WHO) established category of hematologic malignancies primarily arising in adults. We discuss an 8-month-old infant who presented with clinical features similar to those of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) but who was diagnosed with MLN-Eo driven by an ETV6-FLT3 fusion. Results of patient-derived leukemia ex vivo studies demonstrated increased sensitivity to type I FLT3 inhibitors as compared with type II inhibitors. Treatment with the type I inhibitor gilteritinib resulted in complete immunophenotypic and cytogenetic remission. This patient subsequently underwent a hematopoietic stem cell transplant and remains in complete remission 1 year later. This is the youngest patient reported with an ETV6-FLT3 fusion and adds to the mounting reports of FLT3-rearranged MLN-Eo, supporting its addition to the WHO classification. Furthermore, this case highlights the clinical utility of ex vivo drug testing of targeted therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Eosinophilia* / diagnosis
  • Eosinophilia* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Leukemia*
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Juvenile*
  • Lymphoma*
  • Myeloproliferative Disorders*
  • fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 / genetics

Substances

  • FLT3 protein, human
  • fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3