A new era of immuno-oncology in acute myeloid leukemia - antibody-based therapies and immune checkpoint inhibition

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a therapeutically challenging malignancy with high rate of relapse and poor outcomes. There has been increased understanding of the molecular characteristics of AML and the various roles of the immune system in its pathogenesis, the result of which has led to the study and development of multiple immune-based approaches for this disease. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the recent advancements made in antibody-based approaches to the treatment of AML including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and immune checkpoint inhibition. In addition, we provide insight and discuss the promise of these agents, some of which may soon enter the therapeutic armamentarium we currently employ against this lethal disease. •Antibody- and immune-based therapies have been increasingly explored in recent years for tolerability and efficacy in AML.•Antibody therapies targeted against CD33, CD123, CD47 and CD70 have shown therapeutic promise in the treatment of AML.•Immune checkpoint inhibition combined with hypomethylating agents show significant therapeutic promise in AML populations.