Targeted therapies for the myeloid leukaemias

Although the standard approach to myeloid leukaemias remains chemotherapy, the agents currently available rarely result in cure. Recent advances in understanding the biology of these disorders have lead to the development of targeted treatment strategies. In acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), sodium phenylbutyrate and arsenic trioxide are agents which either induce differentiation or apoptosis and have been used to successfully achieve remission. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor, STI-571, antisense oligonucleotides, and bcr-abl vaccines are strategies which focus on the oncogenic events in chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML). Two anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody conjugates, Y90-HuM195 and CMA-676, have been used in acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) and have shown some efficacy. Although the preliminary results with these targeted therapies are promising, further studies are needed to establish them as effective, less toxic alternatives to the current standard of care.