Genetic heterogeneity and clonal evolution in acute myeloid leukemia

Purpose of review Clonal heterogeneity is a significant obstacle to successful treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here, we review new advances in the understanding of genetic heterogeneity in AML using single-cell DNA-sequencing technology. Recent findings New genomics and immunologic discovery tools have provided single-cell resolution maps of the clonal architecture of AML. The use of these technologies reveals the mutational landscape of AML at diagnosis, during treatment, and at relapse has an enormous degree of clonal complexity and diversity that is poised to adapt and evolve under environmental pressures. Summary AML is a complex ecosystem of competing and cooperating clones undergoing constant evolution and selection.