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Current strategies in immunotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia

    Felix S Lichtenegger

    Department of Internal Medicine III, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany

    Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany

    ,
    Frauke M Schnorfeil

    Department of Internal Medicine III, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany

    Clinical Co-operation Group Immunotherapy at the Helmholtz Institute Munich, Munich, Germany

    ,
    Wolfgang Hiddemann

    Department of Internal Medicine III, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany

    Clinical Co-operation Group Leukemia at the Helmholtz Institute Munich, Munich, Germany

    &
    Marion Subklewe

    * Author for correspondence

    Department of Internal Medicine III, Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/imt.12.145

    The prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia, particularly when associated with adverse chromosomal or molecular aberrations, is poor due to a high relapse rate after induction chemotherapy. Postremission therapy for elimination of minimal residual disease remains a major challenge. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has proven to provide a potent antileukemic effect. Novel strategies are needed for patients ineligible for this treatment. Here current immunotherapeutic concepts in acute myeloid leukemia in a nonallogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation setting are reviewed. Data gathered with different monoclonal antibodies are discussed. Adoptive transfer of NK and T cells is reviewed, including evolving data on T-cell engineering. Results of systemic cytokine administration and of therapeutic vaccinations with peptides, modified leukemic cells and dendritic cells are presented. One particular focus of this review is the integration of currently running clinical trials. Recent immunotherapeutic studies have been encouraging and further interesting results are to be expected.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: ▪ of interest ▪▪ of considerable interest

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