Acute myeloid leukemia, also known as acute myelogenous leukemia or AML, is a cancer that originates in the bone marrow when too many immature cells called myeloblasts are made. The National Cancer Institute describes treatment for AML as being made up of two parts: remission induction and consolidation therapy. The first part focuses on getting rid of all visible leukemic cells, while the second part focuses on killing any remaining cancer cells and preventing recurrence. Various treatment methods may be used in each phase.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells and slow down their growth. These medications can be given intravenously, orally as a pill, or placed in cerebrospinal fluid, depending on the situation and the drugs being used. According to the American Cancer Society, the most common chemotherapy medications used to treat AML are cytarabine, also known as ara-C, and either daunorubicin or idarubicin, which are drugs known as anthracyclines. Chemotherapy treatment typically involves a combination of medications, including mitoxantrone, 6-TG, hydroxyurea and prednisone.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are drugs that resemble immune system proteins, and target certain substances or proteins on different cancer cells. These medications can also bolster the immune system and work with it to fight cancer cells more effectively. Gemtuzumab (brand name Mylotarg) is one such drug used to treat AML. Typically, this medication is used for older patients whose AML has not responded to chemotherapy.
Stem Cell Transplantation
The National Cancer Institute lists stem cell transplantation as a standard treatment used to treat AML. In a stem cell transplant, stem cells are removed from the bone marrow or blood of either the patient or a donor, followed by administration of high-dose chemotherapy. After this, the stem cells are taken out of storage and transfused back into the patient to restore the bone marrow.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is not a main treatment for AML, according to the American Cancer Society, but is used in certain situations. Radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and slow down their growth. It can be used to shrink tumors that are interfering with breathing or quality of life, to irradiate the entire body before a stem cell transplant, or used to treat leukemia that has spread to the spinal fluid, brain or testicles.
