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FLT3 gene
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Gene

FLT3 gene

The FLT3 gene provides instructions for making a protein that regulates the growth, survival, and proliferation of early blood cells.

Normal Function

The FLT3 gene provides instructions for making a protein called fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), which is a type of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK). These proteins transmit signals from the cell surface into the cell through signal transduction. When a specific protein called FLT3 ligand attaches to the FLT3 receptor, it activates signaling pathways that control cellular processes, particularly the growth and division of hematopoietic progenitor cells (early blood cells).

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML)

Somatic mutations in the FLT3 gene are involved in CN-AML. These mutations are not inherited and are found only in cancerous cells. Two primary types of mutations occur:

  • FLT3-ITD (Internal Tandem Duplication): A short DNA sequence is copied and inserted, altering the juxtamembrane domain. This causes the receptor to be "constitutively activated," meaning it is always turned on, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of immature white blood cells.
  • FLT3-TKD (Tyrosine Kinase Domain) mutations: These change single amino acids in the tyrosine kinase domain (most commonly at position 835). Like ITD mutations, these result in a constitutively activated receptor and constant signaling.

Genomic Location

The FLT3 gene is found on chromosome 13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Patients with FLT3-ITD mutations generally have a higher relapse rate and poorer overall survival compared to those without the mutation. Consequently, clinicians often add FLT3 inhibitors (e.g., midostaurin or gilteritinib) to standard chemotherapy. FLT3-TKD mutations also confer a worse prognosis but may respond differently to specific inhibitors; therefore, mutation type guides drug selection.
The most frequent adverse events include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and myelosuppression (low blood counts). Managing these involves antiemetic prophylaxis, dose adjustments, growth factor support (e.g., G-CSF), and close monitoring of blood counts. Patients should report any fever or infection promptly.
FLT3 mutations are somatic, meaning they arise in cancer cells and are not inherited. Therefore, routine screening of healthy family members is not recommended. However, if a family member has a history of AML, a baseline FLT3 status may be useful for future risk assessment.
During remission, repeat FLT3 testing is typically performed at the time of first relapse or if the patient shows clinical signs of disease recurrence. In some centers, periodic monitoring every 3–6 months is done for high-risk patients to detect minimal residual disease early.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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