Pediatric Acute Myeloid Leukemia: How to Improve Outcome?

Childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents about 20 % of acute childhood leukemias. Today, the 5-year overall survival rates are close to 70 %. The outcome of childhood AML has significantly improved in the last few decades, secondary to: a better understanding of etiology and risk factors; identification of prognostic factors and their incorporation in treatment protocols; the development of novel therapeutic agents based on cytogenetic and molecular information; implementation of supportive care using evidence-based medicine; and an emphasis on the importance of close follow-up and management of late effects. Further advances in AML management can only occur through continued efforts to understand the disease, and the design of international clinical trials with larger patient groups where novel therapies and treatment protocols can be evaluated.