Childhood acute myeloid leukaemia

Abstract

Over past decades, remarkable progress has been made in the treatment and in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). At present, up to 65% of paediatric AML patients experience long term survival, owing to more effective use of antileukaemic therapy, improvements in supportive care and better risk stratification. However significant challenges remain including better methods to predict which patients can be cured and which one need more intensive therapy. This brief review describes well established biologic features and clinical parameters, risk stratifications, prognostic factors and current approach in treatment strategies.