Leukemic stem cells as a target for eliminating acute myeloid leukemia: Gaps in translational research

Relapse is common in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and thought to be due to resistance of underlying leukemic stem cells (LSCs) to current standard therapies, although a lack of tools to measure the quantity and quality of these cells in patients precludes the clinical testing of this concept. This review discusses the current knowledge of LSC properties and appraises strategies aimed to bring the therapeutic targeting of LSCs to the bedside to improve patient outcomes. We highlight pathways and targets of interest and summarize available information on drugs that might eradicate LSCs. Future research is needed to close identified gaps in knowledge and provide evidence for the clinical efficacy of LSC-directed therapies to support the development of treatments that eliminate residual disease and prevent relapse, thereby increasing the cure rates of patients with AML.

Automated summary

This article discusses the properties of leukemic stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and strategies aimed at targeting these cells therapeutically. The authors highlight pathways and targets of interest and summarize information on drugs that could eradicate leukemic stem cells. Future research is needed to fill knowledge gaps and provide evidence for the clinical efficacy of leukemic stem cell-directed therapies to improve cure rates in AML patients.