There is a great deal of research being conducted in the area of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) including clinical trials and scientific studies. Areas of research for myeloid malignancies include:

• Biological therapy (also called immunotherapy). This method uses substances naturally produced by the immune system to kill cancer cells, slow the growth of the cancer cells or increase the immune system. Substances currently being studied include monoclonal antibodies, which are designed to attack myeloma cells.
  
  
• Growth factors. Hematopoietic growth factors are hormone-like substances that stimulate blood cell production in the bone marrow. Researchers are studying growth factors that can promote the production of platelets. Additional studies are trying to determine the best method to predict which children will benefit from growth factors.
  
  
• Differentiating agents. Differentiating agents are drugs that cause bone marrow blasts (immature cells) to develop into mature blood cells. Researchers are testing several differentiating agents including retinoids (chemicals related to Vitamin A) and Vitamin D to determine the best method of combining these agents with other treatments.
  
  
• Stem cell transplantation. Researchers are looking for ways to increase the effectiveness of stem cell transplantation, as well as reduce complications and determine which children benefit most from the procedure. Several studies have focused on “mini” transplants, or a modified stem cell transplant. These procedures may be effective at treating the disease with reduced toxic side effects and easier recovery.
  
  
• Chemotherapy. Studies have focused on developing new drugs, preventing cancer cells from becoming resistant to chemotherapy, and determining the most effective combination of drugs. Researchers are also trying to determine whether children with a poor prognosis benefit from intensive chemotherapy.