OBJECTIVETo summarize the risk stratification and current treatment strategies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and discuss the role of emerging novel agents that might be applied in future clinical trials.

DATA SOURCESThe data in this article were collected from PubMed database with relevant English articles published from 1991 to 2009.

STUDY SELECTIONArticles regarding the risk stratification and therapeutic options of AML, as well as the characteristics of leukemic stem cells were selected.

RESULTSAML is a heterogeneous disease with variable clinical outcome dependent on several prognostic factors, including age, cytogenetics and molecular markers. The advances in the understanding of AML pathogenesis and development will generate potential novel agents that might improve the treatment results of standard chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONDeeper insight into the multiple transforming events of AML may aid us in designing combinations of small molecule inhibitors based on the individual patient characteristics.

Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; drug therapy ; therapy

Objective To summarize the risk stratification and current treatment strategies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and discuss the role of emerging novel agents that might be applied in future clinical trials.Data sources The data in this article were collected from PubMed database with relevant English articles published from 1991 to 2009.Study selection Articles regarding the risk stratification and therapeutic options of AML, as well as the characteristics of leukemic stem cells were selected.Results AML is a heterogeneous disease with variable clinical outcome dependent on several prognostic factors,including age, cytogenetics and molecular markers. The advances in the understanding of AML pathogenesis and development will generate potential novel agents that might improve the treatment results of standard chemotherapy.Conclusion Deeper insight into the multiple transforming events of AML may aid us in designing combinations of small molecule inhibitors based on the individual patient characteristics.