The purpose of this paper is to urge the adoption of the diagnostic classification criteria of the French American British (FAB) cooperative group for adult acute leukemia. This e1assification system includes patients age an cytogenetic studies as prognostic criteria. The classification now in use emphazises the consensus on definition but gives little importance to information on prognosis. It seems to be the moment to overcome the restrictions of FAB e1assification system and to introduce the modifications suggested by the world health organization that represents the consensus of an international panel of experts. It is based in evidence that supports the need of identify new acute myeloid leukemia subgroups based on age and some biological treats.