New approaches in treatment of acute myeloid leukemia

Historically acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment was limited to standard intensive induction chemotherapy with a combination of cytarabine and anthracycline for fit patients and non-intensive strategies with hypomethylating agent (HMA) or low dose cytarabine (LDAC). Allogeneic stem cell transplantation has also become an important treatment option that prolongs survival in selected patients. Over the last years with a better understanding of genomic and molecular pathogenesis of the disease, new treatment options have emerged with the contribution of translational studies. Especially less intensive frontline options have expanded. The combination of targeted therapies and standard therapies has helped to overcome treatment resistance and led to prolong survival. In this article, new approaches and especially targeted agents in the treatment of AML are discussed.

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