Paediatric bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells support acute myeloid leukaemia cell survival and enhance chemoresistance via contact-independent mechanism.

Children diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (paediatric AML [pAML]) have limited treatment options and relapse rates due to chemoresistance and refractory disease are over 30%. Current treatment is cytotoxic and in itself has long-lasting harsh side effects. New, less toxic treatments are needed.