Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Overview

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. AML is the most common acute leukemia in adults.

Symptoms

• •Fatigue and weakness
• •Fever and frequent infections
• •Easy bruising and bleeding
• •Shortness of breath
• •Pale skin
• •Bone or joint pain
• •Swollen lymph nodes
• •Weight loss
• •Night sweats

Stages

Diagnosis

• ✓Complete blood count (CBC)
• ✓Blood smear examination
• ✓Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration
• ✓Cytogenetic testing
• ✓Molecular genetic testing
• ✓Flow cytometry
• ✓Immunophenotyping

Treatments

• →Chemotherapy (induction and consolidation)
• →Targeted therapy (e.g., FLT3 inhibitors)
• →Stem cell transplantation
• →Supportive care (blood transfusions, antibiotics)
• →Clinical trials with novel agents

Risk Factors