Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) is involved in multiple cancer types and inflammatory diseases. STAT3 is particularly important in leukemic stem cell proliferation and AML progression, which makes it an attractive target for therapeutic inhibition. A team of investigators at the University of Colorado led by Dr. Reigan have created new small molecule inhibitors of STAT3 that may be beneficial in the treatment of multiple cancer types including AML. The inhibitors have shown the ability to decrease leukemic stem cell viability, while not affecting normal hematopoietic stem cells.