Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and immunotherapy for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: an open challenge

The present review summarizes the role of immunotherapy in the treatment of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Through the evaluation of recent clinical and pre-clinical studies, different approaches are taken into account: from the allogeneic transplantation as remission consolidation strategy, to the most advanced targeted cell therapy approaches for relapse prevention. The entangled question of immunotherapy's evolving role in AML is also addressed, as new diagnostic tools provide better risk stratification, classic chemotherapy allows for higher survival rates and targeted drugs became available for children too. Moreover, the need for collaborative, prospective studies in this field is highlighted. Only through sound data it will be possible to compare and possibly integrate new therapies with conventional approaches, with the final aim of achieving a higher survival rate and a better quality of life for our patients.