The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating leukemia by cyclohexenone compounds. Leukemia (leukaemia) is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature while blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases. In turn, it is part of the even broader group of diseases affecting the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid system, which are all known as hematological neoplasms.