Abstract： Objective To investigate the association between cuplike nuclei morphology and FLT3-ITD mutation, so as to provide evidence for the minor classification of AML. Methods The articles on the association of cuplike nuclei morphology and FLT3-ITD mutation were retrieved by searching international and national databases from 1999 to 2011. The relationship was assessed by meta analysis with Statal 1 software.The OR value and confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and the publication bias was assessed by Begg test and Egger test.Results There was significant difference between cuplike nuclei morphology appearance and FLT3-ITD mutation (OR =2.59,95 ％ CI 1.55-4.33,P =0.00).Results from both Begg' s test and Egger’ s test did not show significant difference indicating that there was no publication bias existed.Conclusion The uncommon morphologic variant of AML with cuplike nuclei is highly associated with FLT3-ITD mutation, and the presence of cuplike nuclei in AML represents a distinctive morphologic finding that can be used to prioritize the molecular workup of patients with AML.