--- title: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) url: "https://www.yyhmedical.com/en/guide/blood/acute-myeloid-leukemia" type: MedicalWebPage inLanguage: en-US --- # Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) > Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common type of leukemia that can occur in both children and adults. It is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults. ## Overview Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. The word “acute” means that AML can progress quickly. “Myeloid” refers to the type of blood-forming cells affected by the disease. Normally, myeloid stem cells develop into red blood cells, platelets, and certain types of white blood cells. AML may also be referred to as acute myelogenous leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, or acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. ## Causes and Risk Factors AML develops when genetic changes occur in developing blood cells in the bone marrow. These changes can disrupt normal blood cell development, causing immature abnormal cells, known as myeloblasts, to grow and multiply uncontrollably. As these leukemia cells build up, they can interfere with the production of healthy blood cells. In most cases, it is not clear what causes the genetic changes that lead to AML. Known risk factors include exposure to high levels of radiation, certain chemicals, and some types of chemotherapy. ## Signs and Symptoms Early signs and symptoms of AML can resemble those of the flu or other common illnesses. Symptoms may vary depending on which types of blood cells are affected. **Signs and symptoms of AML may include:** - Fever - Bone pain - Fatigue or weakness - Shortness of breath - Pale skin - Frequent infections - Easy bruising - Unusual bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums ## Diagnosis If AML is suspected, several tests may be used to help make a diagnosis, including: ### **Blood Tests** Blood tests may show abnormal numbers of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. Immature cells called blasts may also be found in the blood. These cells are normally found primarily in the bone marrow. ### ### **Bone Marrow Tests** Blood tests may suggest leukemia, but a bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsy is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis. During the procedure, a small sample of bone marrow is usually taken from the back of the hip bone and sent to a laboratory for testing. ### ### **Lumbar Puncture** In some cases, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) may be performed to check the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for leukemia cells. A thin needle is inserted into the lower back to collect a small sample of CSF for testing. ### **Genetic and Molecular Testing** Laboratory testing of leukemia cells can identify specific genetic, chromosomal, and molecular changes. These findings help determine the subtype of AML, assess risk, and guide treatment decisions. ## Treatment Treatment for AML depends on several factors, including the AML subtype, genetic and molecular features, age, overall health, and individual treatment goals and preferences. AML treatment is often divided into two main phases: ### **Remission Induction Therapy** The goal of induction therapy is to achieve remission by reducing leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow to undetectable or very low levels. Additional treatment is usually needed after remission to reduce the risk of relapse. ### **Consolidation Therapy** Consolidation, also called post-remission therapy, is given after remission to target remaining leukemia cells and reduce the risk of the disease returning. ## **Chemotherapy** Chemotherapy is a common treatment for AML and may be used during both induction and consolidation. It uses medications to destroy leukemia cells. Some patients receiving intensive chemotherapy may need to stay in the hospital because treatment can also affect healthy blood-forming cells, increasing the risk of infection, bleeding, and other complications. Additional treatment may be considered if remission is not achieved after the initial course. ## **Targeted Therapy** Targeted therapies act on specific genetic or molecular features of leukemia cells. For example, **midostaurin (Rydapt)** is a targeted therapy that may be used for certain patients whose AML has an **FLT3 mutation**. Genetic and molecular testing can help determine whether a targeted therapy may be appropriate. ## **Treatment for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia** Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a distinct subtype of AML, is treated differently from most other types of AML. Treatments may include **all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)** and **arsenic trioxide (Trisenox)**, with or without chemotherapy, depending on the individual situation. These treatments help abnormal promyelocytes mature and stop multiplying. ## **Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)** Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), sometimes called a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, may be considered for some patients with AML as part of post-remission treatment. Before transplantation, chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy are used as conditioning treatment. Blood-forming stem cells are then infused to help rebuild the bone marrow and blood-forming system. For an **allogeneic stem cell transplant**, the stem cells come from a compatible donor. Whether transplantation is recommended depends on factors such as the genetic and molecular features of the AML, response to treatment, risk of relapse, age, and overall health. An **autologous stem cell transplant**, which uses a patient’s own previously collected stem cells, may be considered in selected situations, although allogeneic transplantation is more commonly used for AML when transplantation is indicated. ## Content attribution (YMYL) - Author: - Medically reviewed by: - Last reviewed: - First published: - Sources: - National Cancer Institute (NCI). Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. (https://www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/patient/adult-aml-treatment-pdq ) - National Cancer Institute (NCI). Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. (https://www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/hp/adult-aml-treatment-pdq ) - National Cancer Institute (NCI). Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia/Other Myeloid Malignancies Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Versio (https://www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/patient/child-aml-treatment-pdq ) - National Cancer Institute (NCI). Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. (https://www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/hp/child-aml-treatment-pdq ) > --- Original (HTML):https://www.yyhmedical.com/en/guide/blood/acute-myeloid-leukemia This is a clean Markdown mirror for large language models; the original page is authoritative.