by What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia?
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that develops from young white blood cells called granulocytes and monocytes in the bone marrow. In AML, mutations occur in the DNA of these blood-forming cells that cause them to proliferate abnormally and fail to mature into normal white blood cells. Over time, the abnormal cells accumulate in the bone marrow, interfering with the production of normal blood cells and ultimately spreading to the bloodstream and other organs.
Symptoms of AML
The symptoms of AML are generally related to a lack of normal blood cells. Some common symptoms include:
– Fatigue and weakness due to anemia caused by a shortage of red blood cells
– Increased tendency to bruise or bleed due to a shortage of platelets
– Increased risk of infection due to a shortage of normal white blood cells that help fight infections
– Fever, especially with infections, due to low white blood cell counts
– Bone pain or tenderness, referred to as bone pain, especially in the hips, spine, ribs or skull
– Shortness of breath or chest pain caused by a buildup of leukemia cells in the chest
Who is at Risk for Developing AML?
While Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) can occur at any age, the average age of patients diagnosed with AML is 68. Certain risk factors may contribute to the development of AML, including:
– Age – The risk increases with age, with over 70% of cases occurring in those over 65.
– Previous chemotherapy or radiation treatments – For other cancers like breast cancer or lung cancer. The DNA-damaging effects of these therapies increase AML risk.
– Genetic disorders – Such as Down syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome are associated with a higher risk.
– Smoking – Heavy long-term smoking increases risk, possibly due to effects of cigarette smoke on DNA.
– Exposure to radiation – Accidents or work-related radiation exposure is a risk factor.
– Exposure to petroleum products – Long-term occupational exposure to benzene, a widely used petrochemical, may increase risk.
Diagnosing AML
When AML is suspected based on symptom evaluation and examination, laboratory tests and medical imaging help confirm the diagnosis. Procedures frequently used include:
– Complete blood count (CBC) – Reveals low counts of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in AML patients.
– Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy – Small bone marrow samples are taken from the pelvic bone and examined under a microscope to check for blasts (immature white blood cells) and other abnormal findings.
– Cytogenetic analysis – Tests for chromosome abnormalities in the blood or bone marrow that occur frequently in AML.
– Molecular genetic testing – Checks for genetic mutations that commonly drive certain types of AML.
Staging and Prognostic Factors
Once diagnosed, AML will be formally staged to determine how far it has progressed. The most widely used staging system is from the French-American-British (FAB) group, which classify AML into eight categories based on appearance of leukemia cells and other factors.
The prognosis or outlook also depends on several factors determined at diagnosis:
– Age – Younger adults generally have a more favorable outlook.
– Initial white blood cell count – Lower counts (less than 30,000) indicate a better prognosis.
– Chromosome mutations – Certain abnormalities like inversions or translocations portend a poorer response to treatment.
– Molecular markers – Some genetic mutations are linked to resistance or sensitivity to certain drugs.
Treatment Options for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
The main goals of treatment are remission induction and post-remission therapy. Initial induction chemotherapy aims to clear all signs of leukemia from the blood and bone marrow:
– Standard regimens combine anthracycline drugs like daunorubicin with cytarabine to induce remission in 60-80% of younger, fitter patients.
– Those who achieve remission move to post-remission or consolidation therapy, usually additional cycles of chemo to destroy remaining cells and prevent relapse.
– Some patients receive a stem cell transplant using donor bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells to give an extra boost. This reliant on donor availability and patient health status.
Unfortunately, many older patients above 60 are unable to tolerate such intense treatments due to other health issues. New targeted therapies are providing gentler treatment options to extend survival in this population. Ongoing research also explores immunotherapies and cutting-edge approaches like chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.
Outlook for AML Survivors
While AML remains a difficult-to-treat cancer overall, outcomes have steadily risen over time thanks to improved therapies. For those achieving initial remission:
– Long-term survival rates are 55-65% for younger adults after 5 years.
– Older patients have lower survival rates ranging from 10-45%, depending on fitness for intensive therapy.
– Those undergoing stem cell transplant have the best shot at cure, with 5-year survival rates up to 50% overall.
– Life-long follow-up aims to monitor remission and watch for potential relapse requiring further care.
In summary, Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a serious blood cancer but many patients are now surviving longer thanks to ongoing advances in diagnosis and targeted treatment approaches. Continued research efforts also seek to improve outcomes further.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Ravina Pandya, a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.
