Suppression of farnesyltransferase activity in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome: current understanding and recommended use of tipifarnib

Areas covered in this review: Described in this review are the molecular targets of tipifarnib, safety and tolerability of the drug, chemistry, and clinical efficacy in AML. What the reader will gain: The reader will gain a thorough understanding of tipifarnib as it relates to the current and future use of the drug in AML. Take home message: The future of tipifarnib, along with other molecularly-targeted drugs, lies in achieving a better understanding of leukemia biology and harnessing the activity of this agent using predictive biomarkers for improved patient selection.