Lethal AML? Calcium signalling to the rescue!

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by genetic aberrations in hematopoietic precursors of the myeloid lineage which lead to their defective maturation/function. While intensive chemotherapy protocols result in complete remission in 50 % to 80 % of AML patients, relapse occurs in the majority of cases. While calcium signalling is a well-known contributor to cancer hallmarks, few AML related studies have focused on relevant calcium targets. Our purpose here is to highlight calcium channels and associated signalling pathways involved in AML, in order to promote the development of treatments specifically targeting these pathways.