Overview
Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming organs, such as your bone marrow. The cancer causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter your bloodstream crowding out your healthy blood cells. The different types of Leukemia depend upon the type of blood cell that becomes cancer and how quickly it grows.
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- Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Overview
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Normally our bone marrow makes blood stem cells, also called immature cells. In time, blood stem cells mature and become either Myeloid stem cells or Lymphoid stem cells.
If you have an AML diagnosis, your Myeloid stem cells, seen here in orange, do not mature into healthy white blood cells. In addition, sometimes in AML, too many stem cells become abnormal red blood cells or platelets. These abnormal white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets are all called leukemia cells.
What Tests Will I Need and Why?
Blood and Imaging tests are done to understand your general health and confirm your diagnosis.
Tissue analysis in the form of a bone marrow biopsy and sometimes also a sample of spine liquid is done to determine the type of AML.
If your treatment team has not already performed tests to determine your cancer’s features, please ask your doctor when these tests will be performed. This information is critical to finding the best treatment option for you given your goals and lifestyle needs.
Re-read this summary as needed and then tap, “Compare My Treatment Options Now“. Our unique Comparison Page will help you understand your FDA-approved treatment options including, who can help you pay for your treatment, where and how each is given and what side-effects you may experience.
National Institute of Health/ treatment-leukemia
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Commonly Searched Questions
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Recurrence Rate
The recurrence rate for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) varies based on several factors, including the specific characteristics of the leukemia, the patient’s age, and the treatments received.
Overall Recurrence Rates:
- Children and Young Adults: The recurrence rate for AML in children and young adults can be around 30-40%.
- Adults: The recurrence rate in adults is generally higher, with about 40-60% of patients experiencing relapse.
The risk of recurrence also depends on the initial response to treatment, the presence of specific genetic mutations, and other individual factors. For detailed and personalized information, consulting a healthcare provider is advised.
Source: www.cancer.gov
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Prevention
There are no definitive strategies for preventing Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) as its exact causes are not well understood and involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, general recommendations to potentially lower the risk of leukemia, including AML, include:
- Avoid Unnecessary Exposure to Radiation: Limit exposure to high levels of radiation, including certain medical treatments and environmental sources.
- Limit Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Reduce exposure to industrial chemicals and solvents known to increase cancer risk, such as benzene.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking, as overall health can influence cancer risk.
- Manage Existing Health Conditions: Properly manage chronic conditions that may increase cancer risk, such as certain genetic disorders or blood disorders.
These general preventive measures focus on reducing risk factors that could contribute to the development of leukemia. For personalized advice, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Source: www.cancer.gov
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Definition
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) starts in the bone marrow (the soft inner part of certain bones, where new blood cells are made), but most often it quickly moves into the blood, as well. It can sometimes spread to other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and testicles.
Source: Cancer.org
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Survival Rate
The average five-year survival in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is 30.5%.
According to SEER data, Acute Myeloid Leukemia has a survival rate of 30.5%. For example, if the 5-year relative survival rate for a specific stage of acute myeloid leukemia is 30.5%, it means that patients who have that cancer are, on average, about 30.5% as likely as patients who don’t have that cancer to live for at least 5 years after being diagnosed.
Source: Cancer.gov
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia include:
- weakness
- fever
- infection
- paleness or loss of normal skin color
- bleeding
Source: www.cancer.gov
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Treatment
There are five types of treatments used:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy with stem cell transplant
- Targeted therapy
- Other drug therapy
Source: www.cancer.gov
