Selective Targeting of Unique Metabolic Properties of Leukemic Stem Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Current therapeutic options in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia often succumb to high instances of relapse and subsequent mortality. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have long been used as the standard treatment for this disease, remaining stagnant over the past few decades. Recently, a small self-renewing population of leukemic stem cells have been identified as drivers of cancer relapse and progression due to their increased resistance to anticancer therapeutics. This enables these cells to maintain a minimal residual disease and results in downstream differentiation, leading to relapse. Targeting these cells may lead to effective therapies that reduce relapse and mortality. Recently, the metabolic properties of leukemic stem cells have begun to be elucidated. Here, we discuss recent discoveries regarding the metabolism of leukemic stem cells and approaches to targeting their unique metabolic properties.