Therapeutic targeting of leukemic stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia – the biological background for possible strategies

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive malignancy, caused by the accumulation of immature leukemic blasts in blood and bone marrow. There is a relatively high risk of chemoresistant relapse even for the younger patients who can receive the most intensive antileukemic treatment. Treatment directed against the remaining leukemic and preleukemic stem cells will most likely reduce the risk of later relapse. Areas covered: Relevant publications were identified through literature searches. The authors searched for original articles and recent reviews describing (i) the characteristics of leukemic/preleukemic stem cells; (ii) the importance of the bone marrow stem cell niches in leukemogenesis; and (iii) possible therapeutic strategies to target the preleukemic/leukemic stem cells. Expert opinion: Leukemia relapse/progression seems to be derived from residual chemoresistant leukemic or preleukemic stem cells, and a more effective treatment directed against these cells will likely be important to improve survival both for patients receiving intensive treatment and leukemia-stabilizing therapy. Several possible strategies are now considered, including the targeting of the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, proapoptotic intracellular signaling, cell metabolism, telomere activity and the AML-supporting effects by neighboring stromal cells. Due to disease heterogeneity, the most effective stem cell-directed therapy will probably differ between individual patients.