Leukemia - Acute Myeloid - AML: Latest Research

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 04/2022

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about the scientific research being done to learn more about AML and how to treat it. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors are working to learn more about acute myeloid leukemia (AML), ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with this disease. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Most cancer centers are actively involved in clinical trials focused on increasing the number of people cured of AML. Always talk with your doctor about the best diagnostic and treatment options for you.

  • Understanding AML biology. Research on the biology of AML is ongoing to learn more about how leukemia develops and to improve its treatment, particularly for older patients.

  • New drugs and treatment regimens. Researchers are looking at the use of existing drugs given in different doses and schedules, as well as new drugs. Specific research includes the use of drugs called hypomethylating therapy, such as azacitidine or decitabine. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy treatments are also being researched. Targeted therapies use drugs to target specific genes and proteins to treat cancer. Immunotherapy treatment boost the body's natural defenses to fight cancer.

  • Targeted therapy. Researchers are studying ways to block how specific genetic changes found in AML cells affect the body. Quizartinib and crenolanib are investigational drugs that stop the mutated FLT3 gene from working that are being tested in clinical trials. Other targeted therapies are being researched that stop AML cells from becoming resistant to chemotherapy when the chemotherapy stops working. Specific targeted therapy drugs being researched include venetoclax (Venclexta) and other drugs that are targeted to specific gene mutations such as IDH1 (ivositenib), c-KIT, and RAS.

  • Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, also called biologic therapy, is designed to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight the leukemia. It uses materials made either by the body or in a laboratory to improve, target, or restore immune system function. Researchers are specifically looking at vaccines and the use of antibodies directed against the AML cells. Researchers are also looking at adoptive immunotherapy techniques. This type of immunotherapy involves changing a person’s white blood cells in a laboratory to increase their ability to fight the tumor. The changed cells are given back to the patient.

  • Stem cell/bone marrow transplantation. Different ways to make stem cell transplantation safer, easier, and more effective are also being studied (see Types of Treatment).

  • Palliative care/supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current AML treatments to improve comfort and quality of life for patients.

Looking for More About the Latest Research?

If you would like more information about the latest areas of research in AML explore these related items that take you outside of this guide:

The next section in this guide is Coping with Treatment. It offers some guidance in how to cope with the physical, emotional, social, and financial changes that AML and its treatment can bring. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.