New horizons for hope of cure in acute myeloid leukemia through immunotherapy: a narrative review

INTRODUCTION: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a challenging blood cancer characterized by a high rate of relapse and often unfavorable outcomes. Immunotherapies can pave the way for a changing paradigm in AML treatment and improve therapeutic outcomes, ultimately leading to a possible cure for this challenging disease. This narrative review aims to summarize the progress of immunotherapy and highlight the future landscape of these measures in the context of AML. AREA COVERED: By searching English-language literature and querying the PubMed database using pertinent Medical Subject Headings, this review traces the development of AML immunotherapy, from the first antibody-drug conjugate, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, to newer approaches, including other monoclonal antibody formats, immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, and vaccinations. EXPERT REVIEW: Although there have been significant advances, the outcomes of both traditional and novel therapies are still unsatisfactory. Immunotherapies could eliminate leukemia stem cells, which contribute to treatment resistance and disease relapse in AML. The positioning of these new therapeutic measures in development within the management algorithm for AML and their precise place in each patient's therapeutic plan are future challenges for enhancing targeted, personalized clinical programs.