WHO 2022 Updates: Genetic abnormalities now take precedence over blast percentage. AML with mutations like NPM1 or t(8;21) can be diagnosed even if blasts are < 20%.
Select genetic finding to categorize
Guidelines & Evidence
Clinical Details
Section 1
When to Use
When to Use
Classifying newly diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) according to the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours.
Integrating cytogenetic and molecular findings with morphological assessment.
Identifying specific "Defined Genetic Abnormalities" that now override the 20% blast threshold.
2022 Revision Key
The 2022 WHO update emphasizes the elimination of the mandatory 20% blast threshold for AML with defining genetic abnormalities (with the exception of BCR::ABL1).
Section 2
Formula & Logic
AML with Defined Genetic Abnormalities
Subtype
Defining Genetic Feature
Notes
AML with promyelocytic (APL)
PML::RARA
Blast threshold not required.
AML with NPM1 mutation
NPM1
Blast threshold not required.
AML with CEBPA mutation
in-frame bZIP mutation
Previously "biallelic," now bZIP-specific.
AML with KMT2A rearrangement
t(11q23.3)
Formerly MLL; blast threshold not required.
AML with RUNX1::RUNX1T1
t(8;21)
Classic favorable risk; threshold not required.
AML with CBFB::MYH11
inv(16) or t(16;16)
Classic favorable risk; threshold not required.
AML, Myelodysplasia-related (AML-MR)
Now defined by specific cytogenetic abnormalities or somatic mutations in genes such as ASXL1, BCOR, SF3B1, SRSF2, STAG2, U2AF1, or ZRSR2. Morphological dysplasia alone is no longer sufficient for this category.
Section 3
Pearls/Pitfalls
The 10% Grey Zone
Patients with 10–19% myeloblasts and defining genetic abnormalities (like t(8;21)) are now formally classified as having AML, rather than Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS-EB-2).
Therapeutic Pivot
Molecular classification is the primary driver for targeted therapy selection (e.g., FLT3 inhibitors, IDH1/2 inhibitors, or CPX-351 for AML-MR).
Section 4
Evidence Appraisal
Primary Strategy
The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours: Myeloid and Histiocytic/Dendritic Neoplasms.
Khoury JD et al. • Leukemia. 2022;36(7):1703-1719.
Developed through an international consensus of hematopathologists and clinicians to replace the 2016 4th Revised Edition.
Last Comprehensive Review: 2026
Guidelines & Evidence
Clinical Details
Section 1
When to Use
When to Use
Classifying newly diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) according to the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours.
Integrating cytogenetic and molecular findings with morphological assessment.
Identifying specific "Defined Genetic Abnormalities" that now override the 20% blast threshold.
2022 Revision Key
The 2022 WHO update emphasizes the elimination of the mandatory 20% blast threshold for AML with defining genetic abnormalities (with the exception of BCR::ABL1).
Section 2
Formula & Logic
AML with Defined Genetic Abnormalities
Subtype
Defining Genetic Feature
Notes
AML with promyelocytic (APL)
PML::RARA
Blast threshold not required.
AML with NPM1 mutation
NPM1
Blast threshold not required.
AML with CEBPA mutation
in-frame bZIP mutation
Previously "biallelic," now bZIP-specific.
AML with KMT2A rearrangement
t(11q23.3)
Formerly MLL; blast threshold not required.
AML with RUNX1::RUNX1T1
t(8;21)
Classic favorable risk; threshold not required.
AML with CBFB::MYH11
inv(16) or t(16;16)
Classic favorable risk; threshold not required.
AML, Myelodysplasia-related (AML-MR)
Now defined by specific cytogenetic abnormalities or somatic mutations in genes such as ASXL1, BCOR, SF3B1, SRSF2, STAG2, U2AF1, or ZRSR2. Morphological dysplasia alone is no longer sufficient for this category.
Section 3
Pearls/Pitfalls
The 10% Grey Zone
Patients with 10–19% myeloblasts and defining genetic abnormalities (like t(8;21)) are now formally classified as having AML, rather than Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS-EB-2).
Therapeutic Pivot
Molecular classification is the primary driver for targeted therapy selection (e.g., FLT3 inhibitors, IDH1/2 inhibitors, or CPX-351 for AML-MR).
Section 4
Evidence Appraisal
Primary Strategy
The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours: Myeloid and Histiocytic/Dendritic Neoplasms.
Khoury JD et al. • Leukemia. 2022;36(7):1703-1719.