Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025

Pre-clinical Evaluation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Treatment of Acute Leukemia
Published on: September 18, 2013
Targeted Therapy in Pediatric AML: An Evolving Landscape
LaQuita M Jones1,2, Katherine Tarlock3,4, Todd Cooper5,6
1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Insights
Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) outcomes have improved, but 30% of children remain uncured. This review summarizes targeted therapies for pediatric AML, leveraging genomic insights to improve treatment efficacy and reduce chemotherapy side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Genomics
Background:
- Outcomes for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have improved due to intensive chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), and supportive care.
- Despite advancements, approximately 30% of pediatric AML cases remain uncured, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Current AML characterization employs advanced diagnostics like flow cytometry and comprehensive genomic sequencing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current targeted therapy options for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
- To explore how genomic and molecular data inform the selection of targeted treatments.
- To address the limitations of conventional chemotherapy and HSCT in pediatric AML.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current targeted therapy options in pediatric AML.
- Analysis of diagnostic tools, including flow cytometry and genomic sequencing.
- Synthesis of information on the genomic and molecular architecture guiding therapy selection.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies are increasingly utilized in pediatric AML, informed by molecular profiling.
- Genomic insights are crucial for identifying specific targets and tailoring treatments.
- This approach aims to improve cure rates and mitigate the toxicity associated with traditional therapies.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies represent a promising avenue for improving outcomes in pediatric AML.
- Understanding the molecular landscape of pediatric AML is essential for effective treatment selection.
- Further research into targeted agents is critical to overcome treatment resistance and reduce long-term side effects.
Abstract:
The outcomes associated with pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have improved over the last few decades, with the implementation of intensive chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and improved supportive care. However, even with intensive therapy and the use of HSCT, both of which carry significant risks of short- and long-term side effects, approximately 30% of children are not able to be cured. The characterization of AML in pediatrics has evolved over time and it currently involves use of a variety of diagnostic tools, including flow cytometry and comprehensive genomic sequencing. Given the adverse effects of chemotherapy and the need for additional therapeutic options to improve outcomes in these patients, the genomic and molecular architecture is being utilized to inform selection of targeted therapies in pediatric AML. This review provides a summary of current, targeted therapy options in pediatric AML.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

