Current Treatments of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive blood cancer characterized by the rapid reproduction of immature myeloid blasts that disrupt the normal development of blood cells. Despite significant advances in treatment, AML continues to pose a major therapeutic challenge, particularly in older adults, due to the toxicity of the current treatments. This review examines the current therapeutic landscape of AML while also shedding light on emerging treatments. Chemotherapy is the cornerstone of induction therapy, most notably through the “7+3) regimen of cytarbine and anthracyclines, which targets rapidly dividing cells. For patients ineligible for intensive regimens, hypomethylating agents offer a less toxic alternative by reactivating tumor suppressor genes through DNA demethylation. Immunotherapy is an expanding treatment, with antibody-drug conjugates, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and CAR T-cell therapies showing promising results. Radiation therapy holds a supportive role, particularly in conditioning before stem cell transplants. Stem cell transplants remain the only curative strategy for many patients. Ongoing research increasingly focuses on integrating molecular profiling, epigenetic therapy, and immune-based approaches to enhance efficiency and minimize toxicity.