Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Research & Clinical Trials

Discover the latest research advances and clinical trials for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Explore precision medicine approaches, immunotherapy breakthroughs, targeted therapies, and novel treatment combinations transforming AML care.

Understanding Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects myeloid cells, which are precursor cells that normally develop into red blood cells, platelets, and certain types of white blood cells. AML is primarily an adult disease, with most cases occurring in people over 65.

Treatment has traditionally relied on intensive chemotherapy, which can be difficult for older patients to tolerate. Recent advances in precision medicine and targeted therapy are transforming AML treatment, offering more effective and better-tolerated options.

Treatment Challenges

  • Many patients are older and may not tolerate intensive chemotherapy
  • High relapse rates even after initial successful treatment
  • Diverse genetic subtypes requiring different approaches
  • Need for better treatments for patients who relapse

Recent Advances

The past decade has seen significant AML treatment advances including new targeted drugs, precision medicine approaches, and exploration of immunotherapy. These developments are improving outcomes, particularly for older patients who previously had limited options.

Active AML Research Projects

AML Active

Activating STING1-dependent immune signaling in TP53 mutant and wild-type acute myeloid leukemia.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Aksinija A Kogan

Institution: Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center

Location

Baltimore, Maryland

Timeline

Start: January 2021

Completion: December 2024

AML Active

Acute Myeloid Leukemia: 2025 Update on Diagnosis, Risk-Stratification, and Management.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Shai Shimony

Institution: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Location

Boston, Massachusetts

Timeline

Start: January 2024

Completion: December 2027

AML Active

PD-1H/VISTA mediates immune evasion in acute myeloid leukemia.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Tae Kon Kim

Institution: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Location

New York, New York

Timeline

Start: January 2023

Completion: December 2026

Modern AML Treatment Approaches

Precision Medicine

Genetic profiling identifies targetable mutations, allowing treatment selection based on individual patient genetics. This approach has doubled survival rates for patients with certain genetic profiles.

Targeted Therapies

New drugs targeting specific molecular pathways are effective even in older patients who can't tolerate intensive chemotherapy. Multiple targeted agents are now available and more are in development.

Immunotherapy

CAR-T cell therapy and other immunotherapy approaches are being actively studied in AML. Early results suggest promise, particularly for patients who have relapsed after standard treatment.

Combination Strategies

Research explores combining targeted drugs, immunotherapy, and reduced-intensity chemotherapy. These combinations show improved outcomes compared to single-agent approaches.