Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment

What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that affects the blood cells as well as the bone marrow. It is the most frequent kind of acute leukemia in adults. The disease is characterized by the fast proliferation of immature white blood cells called leukemic blasts or myeloblasts. These cells accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of healthy blood cells.

If not treated, AML spreads quickly into the bloodstream and other organs such as the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system, and testicles. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment in India, with stem cell transplants used in certain cases.

Other Names for AML:

Acute myelocytic leukemia
Acute myelogenous leukemia
Acute granulocytic leukemia
Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia
Acute promyelocytic leukemia

Symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Dizziness
Easy bruising or bleeding
Fatigue
Feeling cold
Fever, night sweats, infections
Headaches
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Pale skin and anemia
Shortness of breath
Swollen lymph nodes

Causes of AML

AML originates from blood stem cells that fail to mature properly. Due to mutations or injuries, myeloid cells develop into immature blasts instead of healthy cells, disrupting normal blood cell production.

Diagnosis of AML

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Peripheral Blood Smear
Blood Chemistry/Coagulation Test
Cytochemistry Test
Flowcytometry
Chromosome Test
Imaging Tests
Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy

Treatment Options

Chemotherapy

Administered via infusion or oral drugs to destroy cancer cells. Some cases may require lifelong maintenance therapy.

Targeted Therapies

Targets mutations in leukemia cells for specific AML types.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Used for refractory or relapsed AML.

Stem Cell Transplant

Involves replacing diseased marrow with healthy donor stem cells, usually after remission.

For Children

Induction therapy is used to reach remission.
Intrathecal chemotherapy may be used.
Stem cell transplant is also a viable option.

Conclusion

AML treatment may result in full remission, but there's a high risk of relapse. Long-term therapy or maintenance may be necessary in some patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Is the Survival Rate of AML?
A: ~27% for adults; 69% for patients under 20 years old.

Q: Is AML Fatal?
A: Yes, especially in older patients without treatment.

Q: Can Early Detection Cure Leukemia?
A: Early diagnosis helps but is not always curative.

Q: What Are the Types of Leukemia?
A: AML, CML, ALL, CLL.

Q: Which Organs Are Affected by AML?
A: Bone marrow, liver, spleen, brain, spinal cord, testicles.