The Power of Advocacy: Supporting Patients with KMT2A AML

EP: 1.KMT2A AML Pathogenesis and Presentation

EP: 2.Prognosis and Perception of KMT2A AML

EP: 3.Patient Profiles: Demographics and Disease Biology

EP: 4.Targeting Menin: A New Frontier in AML

EP: 5.Efficacy, Safety, and Experience With Revumenib

EP: 6.Shifts in Standard of Care for Adults and Children With KMT2A AML

EP: 7.Emerging Menin Inhibitors and Patient Impact

EP: 8.Educating on Menin Inhibitors

EP: 9.The Why and When of Molecular Testing in AML

EP: 10.Delays in Detection and the Impact on Access to Targeted Therapy

EP: 11.Accessing Innovation: Practical Tips and Policy Hurdles

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EP: 12.The Power of Advocacy: Supporting Patients with KMT2A AML

EP: 13.Final Words: Aligning Innovation, Guidelines, and Access

Patient advocacy plays an increasingly vital role in improving outcomes for patients with high-risk AML. Advocacy organizations and foundations provide essential support ranging from peer mentorship to financial assistance, helping patients navigate the complex treatment landscape. These groups not only offer emotional and practical support but also fund critical research efforts, accelerating the development of new therapies. In addition, patient advocates are actively involved in shaping clinical guidelines and reviewing clinical trial protocols to ensure that patient perspectives and needs are integrated into the decision-making process.

Engaging patients directly in their care is fundamental to effective advocacy. Encouraging patients to understand their disease, ask questions, and participate in treatment decisions empowers them and strengthens the care team’s efforts. Educational initiatives that connect community physicians with academic experts foster better collaboration and improve patient access to specialized care. Advocacy can also play a role in addressing systemic challenges, such as delays in treatment approval or insurance barriers, by pushing for policy changes that streamline access to new therapies and reduce administrative hurdles.

Innovative programs are also emerging to address access challenges practically. For example, some oncology pharmacy groups have worked with state regulatory boards to establish medication recycling programs, where unused specialty oral cancer drugs are collected, evaluated, and redistributed to patients in need. These efforts help bridge gaps in drug availability, especially during lengthy approval processes. Overall, continued collaboration between clinicians, advocates, and policymakers is essential to reduce barriers, accelerate treatment initiation, and improve patient outcomes in high-risk AML.