Therapeutic application of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells in childhood acute myeloid leukemia

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has emerged as a pivotal therapeutic intervention in the management of childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly for patients with refractory or relapsed disease, demonstrating superior survival outcomes compared to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy approaches. The integration of meticulously designed pre-treatment conditioning regimens with allo-HSCT has significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy and disease control. However, despite substantial advancements in transplant protocols and supportive care, post-transplant relapse persists as a predominant challenge, accounting for considerable treatment-related mortality. Current research endeavors are increasingly focused on elucidating the mechanisms underlying disease recurrence and developing innovative post-transplant maintenance strategies, including targeted therapies and immunomodulatory approaches. Furthermore, ongoing optimization of donor selection criteria, graft-versus-leukemia effect enhancement, and personalized treatment algorithms are crucial for improving long-term outcomes. This review examines the mechanistic basis of allo-HSCT, explores current applications in pediatric AML, and discusses strategies for relapse prevention and maintenance therapy, highlighting the critical need for continued translational research to refine therapeutic protocols and improve survival rates in this vulnerable patient population.