OBJECTIVETo assess the frequencies and prognostic significance of the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2) mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to explore their relevance to clinical, cytogenetic and molecular feature.

METHODSGenomic DNA from 96 newly diagnosed AML patients from Sep. 2009 to Jan. 2011 was screened by RT-PCR and sequencing for IDH1 and 1DH2 mutation.

RESULTSThe prevalence of IDH1 (p. P127 and p. I130) and IDH2 mutations (p. R140) was 14.6% (14/ 96) and 2.17% (2/96) respectively. The IDH1 mutations of p. P127 and p. I130 were not reported so far in literature. Of 14 IDH1 mutation patients, 10 were with normal karyotype and the differences had statistical significance (P=0.021). Two patients with IDH2 mutation were also with normal karyotype. IDH2 mutations were in older patients at diagnosis. Patients with IDH mutation had higher white blood cell counts, lower platelet counts, expression of HLA-DR, CD34, CD33 and CD13, lower remission rate and higher relapse rate.

CONCLUSIONIDH mutation is recurring genetic change in AML and indicates poor prognosis.