Therapeutic hurdles in acute myeloid leukemia: Leukemic stem cells, inflammation and immune dysfunction

Abstract

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive and highly heterogeneous hematological malignancy characterized by clonal expansion and differentiation arrest in myeloid progenitor cells. Despite advancements in chemotherapy, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and post-remission maintenance therapies, the long-term survival remains unsatisfactory with high rates of relapse and refractory. These therapeutic challenges are mediated by multiple factors, including the complexity of the cellular hierarchies in AML, the interaction of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) with the bone marrow niche, inflammation, and immune evasion mechanisms. Further, the absence of specific surface markers that distinguish LSCs from normal hematopoietic stem cells, together with LSCs’ functional heterogeneity, complicates targeted treatment approaches. Immune dysfunction, including T cell exhaustion and immune suppression within the bone marrow niche contributes to therapy resistance. In this brief review, we aim to explore current challenges in AML therapy, focusing on LSC-driven resistance, immune evasion, and the need for innovative therapeutic strategies.