Here, we show that STD is able to enhance ceramide generation by up-regulating CerS6, and therefore modulate the phosphorylation of p38 kinase, leading to apoptosis in K562 cells, HL-60 cells, and human primary leukemia cells derived from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The gene discussed is CERS6; the disease is acute myeloid leukemia.