Ten-gene DDR pathway gene expression signature predicts response of pediatric AML to gemtuzumab ozogamicin

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) is an anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody linked to calicheamicin, a DNA damaging agent. Post-hoc analysis of two prospective trials investigated the association between expression of ten DNA-damage response pathway genes and the response of pediatric AML to GO. Among patients treated with GO plus standard ADE chemotherapy the CalDDR-GEx10 expression score was associated with complete remission rates, event-free survival, and overall survival. Among patients treated with chemotherapy alone, the expression score was not associated with outcomes. The authors conclude that the expression score is a potential tool to predict response to calicheamicin-induced DNA damage.