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A clonal (malignant) hematopoietic disorder with an acute onset, affecting the bone marrow and the peripheral blood. The malignant cells show minimal differentiation and are called blasts, either myeloid blasts (myeloblasts) or lymphoid blasts (lymphoblasts).
No HPO annotations are available for this condition.
To date, fourteen families with CEBPA-associated familial acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been reported [, , , , , , , , , , , , ], the majority of which manifest a highly penetrant (80%) AML phenotype. More recently, germline CEBPA pathogenic variants located outside of the N terminal appear less penetrant, with approximately 50% of individuals with a heterozygous germline pathogenic variant developing AML. Given the limited number of family members tested in historical studies, it is possible that the true penetrance of AML may vary . The age of onset of CEBPA-associated familial AML is variable, but appears to be earlier than in sporadic AML. Disease onset has been reported in persons as young as 1.8 years and older than 45 years .
CEBPA-associated familial acute myeloid leukemia (AML) should be suspected in individuals with the following clinical and supportive laboratory findings.
Clinical findings
Individuals with AML who also have a family history of AML
Individuals who have developed AML at an early age (50 years)
No approved treatments are currently available for acute leukemia. An additional 1 compound holds orphan drug designation.
While no drugs are FDA-approved specifically for acute leukemia, some of the following designated compounds may be used off-label in clinical practice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a specialist familiar with this condition.
The following drugs have received orphan drug designation from the FDA for acute leukemia. Orphan designation reflects regulatory interest and does not indicate approval for treatment.
Brand Name | Generic Name | Sponsor |
|---|
Affected individuals. Surveillance for CEBPA-associated familial AML is similar to that for other forms of AML. There are no generally accepted minimal residual disease (MRD) markers in CEBPA-associated AML. Individuals are monitored and evaluated in accordance with administered treatment, clinical course, symptoms, and protocol, if enrolled in clinical trials. When complete remission is achieved and intensification therapy is complete, individuals are monitored with:
174 clinical trials registered, 97 recruiting. Interventions under study include drug therapy, other interventions, procedural interventions, and biologic therapy. Pipeline includes 1 PHASE4, 9 PHASE3, 48 PHASE2. Research is sponsored by a mix of industry and academic institutions.
NCT ID | Title | Phase | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
[NCT06315309](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06315309) |
Data assembled from 5 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 17, 2026, 7:22 PM UTC
Common questions about acute leukemia
Source: GeneReviews — "CEBPA-Associated Familial Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)"
Source: GeneReviews — "CEBPA-Associated Familial Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)"
The differential diagnosis for CEBPA-associated familial acute myeloid leukemia (AML) includes the following:
Hereditary disorders associated with an increased risk of myeloid malignancy (e.g., RUNX1 familial platelet disorder with associated myeloid malignancy, DDX41-associated familial myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia)
Sporadic AML with somatic CEBPA pathogenic variant(s)
AML secondary to environmental exposures (e.g., benzene, radiation, chemotherapy)
Note: AML is a relatively rare disorder (~13,300 cases/year in the US); therefore, the more affected individuals in a family (and the closer the relationships), the greater the likelihood of a common cause (i.e., a heritable predisposition or a common exposure) .
Source: GeneReviews — "CEBPA-Associated Familial Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)"
Biomarker and diagnostic research for acute leukemia has been reported in the published literature.
Designated
Exclusivity End |
|---|
Designation Status |
|---|
5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine | 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine | SuperGen, Inc. | 1987 | — | Designated |
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs of an individual newly diagnosed with CEBPA-associated familial acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 2. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with CEBPA-Associated Familial Acute Myeloid Leukemia
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
AML | Management of younger persons to be directed by relevant specialist teams (e.g., AYA or pediatric hematologists) | AML / Assessment for suitable |
HSCT donor | HLA typing virology tests (hepatitis A, B, C, HIV) | CEBPA site-specific testing of family members at risk using either of the following:; Buccal, salivary, or skin DNA |
CNS AML | LP if symptoms suggest CNS disease. | The timing of LP in AML is controversial. Treatment- related heart |
disease | Cardiac scan in persons w/personal history of (or signs symptoms suspicious for) heart disease in those who have received previous anthracycline therapy | Genetic counseling; Obtain a detailed family history identify relatives who are obligate heterozygotes or potential heterozygotes for a CEBPA pathogenic variant thus at risk for CEBPA-assoc familial AML. |
Source: GeneReviews — "CEBPA-Associated Familial Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)"
Use of sib or related donors for HSCT without prior assessment of the germline CEBPA pathogenic variant in the donor should be avoided.
Source: GeneReviews — "CEBPA-Associated Familial Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "CEBPA-Associated Familial Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)"
174 trials found
Bone marrow aspiration when cytopenia and/or an abnormal peripheral blood smear are present.
Note: The use of flow cytometry for MRD monitoring is controversial. Individuals with a germline CEBPA pathogenic variant who are cured of their initial disease episode may be at risk for new leukemic episodes, often occurring after a prolonged period of remission (3 years post presentation) . In light of these data, lifelong clinical surveillance is warranted to ensure prompt recognition and appropriate management of disease recurrence. Repeat testing of CEBPA in tumor DNA at AML recurrence is important to help distinguish conventional relapse from new, independent leukemic episodes. Asymptomatic individuals with a germline CEBPA pathogenic variant:
CBC every six to 12 months
Bone marrow examination for those with CBC abnormalities
Source: GeneReviews — "CEBPA-Associated Familial Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)"
Trial of 2 Step ATG for Acute GVHD Prevention Post Myeloablative Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant |
PHASE2 |
University of Alabama at Birmingham |
RECRUITING |
[NCT07256210](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07256210) | Feasibility and Safety of Donor-derived NK-cell Infusions for Leukemia Relapse Prophylaxis After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation | PHASE2 | Federal Research Institute of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology | RECRUITING |
[NCT06697275](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06697275) | Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Virtual Reality When Placing a Needle on an Implantable Venous Access Device in Children With Leukemia | NA | University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand | RECRUITING |
[NCT05322850](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05322850) | Phase I/II Trial: Engineered Donor Graft (Orca Q) for Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT) | PHASE1 | University of Florida | RECRUITING |
[NCT05794880](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05794880) | MCW Alpha/Beta T-Cell and B-Cell Depletion With Targeted ATG Dosing | NA | Medical College of Wisconsin | RECRUITING |
500 publications have been identified in PubMed for acute leukemia. Research spans Review / Meta-Analysis (26%), Basic Science / Preclinical (20%), and Epidemiology / Natural History (14%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Research summaries | 129 | 26% |
Laboratory research | 101 | 20% |
Disease patterns and progression | 72 | 14% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 55 | 11% |
Patient case studies | 49 | 10% |
Clinical study results | 46 | 9% |
New treatment approaches | 32 | 6% |
Other research | 16 | 3% |
Prajapati SC (2026). [PMID: 41844049](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41844049/). *Neoplasia*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Scheidegger N (2026). [PMID: 42085603](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42085603/). *Blood Adv*. [Gene Therapy / Novel Therapeutics]
Sandrine V (2026). [PMID: 41486725](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41486725/). *Pediatr Blood Cancer*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Hu L (2026). [PMID: 42421904](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42421904/). *Chin J Cancer Res*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Gu J (2026). [PMID: 41387940](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41387940/). *Br J Haematol*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Mahdavi L (2026). [PMID: 41027490](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41027490/). *Exp Hematol*. [Gene Therapy / Novel Therapeutics]
Wolf E (2026). [PMID: 42567277](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42567277/). *Transplant Cell Ther*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Conneely SE (2026). [PMID: 41173205](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41173205/). *Exp Hematol*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Asghar E (2026). [PMID: 41401403](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41401403/). *Ocul Immunol Inflamm*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Zarnegar-Lumley S (2026). [PMID: 42270196](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42270196/). *Hematol Oncol Clin North Am*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]