This is in line with other reports that patients responding to ESAs have a more favorable prognosis, with lower probability of progressing to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and longer overall survival.8, 17, 26, 27 Main predictors of response are transfusion burden and endogenous EPO levels.28 In a recent meta-analysis of 55 trials, transfusion independence was associated with decreased mortality (hazard ratio of 0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29–0.56).29 However, improved survival with ESAs has not been demonstrated in prospective randomized trials. The gene discussed is EPO; the disease is acute myeloid leukemia.