Patient Education
WHAT IS ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA ?
TRAINING and EDUCATION
Acute myeloid leukemia ( AML ) is the most common acute leukemia in the United States , comprising 33 percent of all leukemias . The cancer progresses rapidly if not treated , making timely diagnosis an important goal . Recent diagnostic tests and treatment options such as stem cell transplantation are improving the remission and cure rates for some patients with AML , but generally , the standard of care for AML has not changed in 40 years .
Read below to learn more about the diagnosis , treatment , and prognosis of AML , and how clinical trials are helping researchers develop new therapies for this disease .
This “ Patient Education ” tear sheet was produced in collaboration with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ( lls . org ).
What Is AML ?
Acute myeloid leukemia ( AML ) is a cancer of the bone marrow and the blood . AML develops when the DNA ( genetic material ) of a developing stem cell in the bone marrow is damaged . This change is called an acquired mutation .
Once the bone marrow stem cell becomes a leukemic cell , it multiplies uncontrollably into billions of cells ( leukemic blasts ) that do not function normally , are able to grow and survive better than normal cells , and block the production of normal cells . As a result of these “ blasts ,” the number of healthy blood cells ( red blood cells , white blood cells , and platelets ) is usually lower than normal .
How Common Is AML ?
AML is the most common acute leukemia affecting adults . The estimated number of new cases to be diagnosed in 2016 is 19,950 , representing 1.2 percent of all new cancer cases .
People 50 years and older are more likely to develop AML than younger adults or children . However , AML is one of the most common types of leukemia diagnosed during infancy .
How Is AML Diagnosed ?
It is important to have an accurate diagnosis of the type of leukemia in order to estimate how the disease will progress and determine the appropriate treatment .
Diagnosing AML and the AML subtype usually involves a series of tests . Some of these tests may be repeated during and after therapy to measure the effects of treatment . Doctors may use blood and bone marrow tests , as well as genetic tests , to diagnose AML .
Blood tests : A change in the number and appearance of blood cells can help make an AML diagnosis . Blood samples are sent to the laboratory for :
• Complete blood count : Counts the number of red cells , white cells , and platelets in the blood
• Peripheral blood smear : Shows the presence of leukemic blast cells ( myeloblasts )
Bone marrow tests : Bone marrow samples are examined under a microscope to look for chromosomal and other cell changes . These samples are obtained via a two-step process :
• bone marrow aspiration to remove a liquid marrow sample
• bone marrow biopsy to remove a small amount of bone filled with marrow
Karyotyping and cytogenetic analysis : These processes are used to identify certain changes in chromosomes and genes . A laboratory test called polymerase chain reaction may be performed , in which cells in a sample of blood or marrow are studied to look for certain changes in the structure or function of genes , such as FLT3 and NPM1 , that can provide important information for risk assessment and treatment planning .
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Resources
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ( LLS ) is the world ’ s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding cures for blood cancer patients . Its mission is to cure leukemia , lymphoma , Hodgkin disease , and myeloma , and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families . LLS drives research in areas of unmet medical need and helps to bridge the gap between academic discovery and drug development . LLS identifies and funds blood cancer research projects and collaborates with academic institutions , as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies , to accelerate the development of new therapies . In addition , LLS is the leading source of free , highly specialized blood cancer information , education , and support for patients , survivors , families , and healthcare professionals .
To reach LLS ’ s Information Resource Center , a toll-free call center staffed with master ’ s level health-care professionals , known as LLS Information Specialists , who can offer various support services , including assistance in finding appropriate clinical trials , call ( 800 ) 955-4572 .
For more information on LLS , visit lls . org .
For more information on AML , visit lls . org / content / what-is-aml .
For patient support resources , visit lls . org / support-resources .
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