Lab Med Online.  2023 Apr;13(2):72-77. 10.47429/lmo.2023.13.2.72.

Status of FLT3-ITD Analysis in Korea (2021)

• Kim HY
• Kim IS
• Kim M
• Shin S
• Lee JY

• KMID: 2552728
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.47429/lmo.2023.13.2.72

Abstract

Background
FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)-internal tandem duplication (ITD) is a crucial prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia and a target mutation for FLT3 inhibitor. It is also used for monitoring minimal residual disease after treatment. In this study, we conducted an online survey to investigate the status of the FLT3-ITD test in Korea.
Methods
The survey was conducted through emails to the laboratory directors at university hospitals and tertiary medical institutions. The questionnaires included four questions on the use and performance of FLT3-ITD test by each institution, one on verification of detection and quantification limits, three on internal/external quality control, three on reporting formats and one on the institutions’ opinions on the FLT3-ITD allelic ratio.
Results
Replies were received from 24 institutions. As a result of this survey, it was established that most institutions use fragment analysis to confirm the presence of FLT3-ITD and its allelic ratio. Most institutions reported FLT3-ITD allelic ratios during diagnosis and follow-up. Most laboratories established self-verified detection limits, internal controls, and participated in various external quality control programs for FLT3-ITD test.
Conclusions
Most survey participants agreed on the need for test performance verification and external quality control to increase the accuracy and reliability of FLT3-ITD allelic ratios. We substantiate that the results of this survey will serve as a basis for setting the standard for the FLT3-ITD test in Korea, ultimately having a positive impact on patient care.

Keyword

FLT3; Internal tandem duplication; Fragment analysis; Surveys and Questionnaires

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