CD318 CUB domain-containing protein-1 in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia patients: a new adverse prognostic marker

Introduction Many prognostic factors have been identified in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including morphologic and genetic markers. However, further markers are required to improve prognosis. Cluster of differentiation 318 (CD318) is a transmembrane protein associated with poor prognosis. Though its widespread expression on hematological progenitor cells, its prognostic value in hematological malignancies remains unclear. Aim and methods This study assessed the value of CD318 as a prognostic marker in AML. The expression of CD318 on AML blasts was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results A significant expression of CD318 was found in 27/70 (38.5%) AML patients. Patients with high CD318 expression showed a reduced response to induction chemotherapy, an increased risk of disease relapse, and inferior overall survival compared with those with low expression. Conclusion CD318 overexpression may become one of the important prognostic markers in AML. So, assessing is recommended. Also, we recommend studying a new approach to treating AML including agents that target CD318.