Herein are described methods of treating a human subject having acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is refractory to induction therapy, wherein an MDM2 inhibitor is administered before or concurrently with chemotherapy, which may comprise induction therapy. Refractory AML may be predicted based on decreased expression of MTF2 in cells from a hematological sample obtained from the subject. Also provided are methods of predicting and treating AML responsive to MDM2/HDM2 inhibitors, based on MTF2 expression. One set of additional biomarkers useful in the predictions comprise one or more of H3K27me3, CD84, CD92, MDM2, NPM1, PRICKLE1, SET, ABCB6, POLQ, POLK, POLH, ARTIMIS, MCM6, CD327, CD90 and PARP1. Another set of additional biomarkers useful in the predictions include at least one of H3K27me3, MDM2, NPM1, SET, CD84 and PRICKLE1. Methods of selecting a patient for treatment with an MDM2 inhibitor before or concurrently with chemotherapy are also provided, along with kits and uses.