Abstract: Methods and kits for the diagnosis and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are described. These methods and kits are based on the assessment of the level of expression of the gene High Mobility Group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2), and optionally of the level of expression of at least one additional prognostic marker gene such as PRKC Apoptosis WT1 Regulator (PAWR), in a biological sample from an AML patient. High levels of expression of HMGA2 and PAWR in the sample are associated with poor disease prognosis, for example low probability of survival and/or increased risk of relapse, in AML patients, including in intermediate-risk AML patients. Methods and kits for the diagnosis of AMLs with TP53 mutations based on genes differentially expressed in AMLs with TP53 mutations relative to other AMLs also described.

Abstract: Genes exhibiting specific mutational and/or transcriptional patterns in poor prognosis AMLs, such as EVI1-rearranged acute myeloid leukemias (EVI1-r AMLs), relative to other types of AMLs and/or normal CD34+ cells, are disclosed. The use of these mutational and/or transcriptional patterns, for example the expression level of the PRKC Apoptosis WT1 Regulator (PAWR) gene, for the diagnosis or prognosis of AMLs, including intermediate-risk AMLs, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel methods for modulating acute myeloid leukemia stem/progenitor cell expansion and/or differentiation are disclosed. These methods are based on the use of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulators and/or compounds of formula I or II Screening assays to identify compounds that may be useful for inhibiting and/or eliminating AML initiating cells using AhR modulators and/or the compounds of formula I or II are also disclosed. The use of pharmaceutically acceptable agonists of the AhR for preventing or inhibiting minimal residual disease (MRD) in an AML patient is also disclosed.