Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, according to the National Cancer Institute. It develops when myeloid cells turn into immature white blood cells called myeloblasts. When myeloblasts crowd out normal cells, leukemia occurs. Acute leukemia grows very fast, and can be fatal within months if not treated, reports the American Cancer Society.
Significance
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2009, approximately 12,810 new cases of AML will be diagnosed, and 9,000 people will die from the disease.
Other Names
AML is commonly known as acute myeloid leukemia, but it may also be called acute myelocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, and acute non-lymphocytic leukemia.
Treatment
Because AML grows quickly, treatment should be started as soon as possible. The kinds of treatment can depend on the subtype of AML, as well as how the cancer behaves and its characteristics, but according to the ACS, the disease is commonly treated with chemotherapy, and radiation may be used in some cases.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy for AML can be given intravenously, orally, or placed into the cerebrospinal fluid. The National Cancer Institute says chemotherapy is split into two stages for AML; induction (which puts the leukemia into remission), and consolidation (to kill any remaining leukemic cells that may cause a relapse).
Radiation Therapy
There are two types of radiation therapy. External radiation is when a machine sends radiation to the body where the cancer is, in order to kill it. Internal radiation uses radiation that is sealed in capsules, catheters, or wires and places them directly into the cancer, or near the cancer.
Stem Cell Transplants
According to the ACS, With these kinds of transplants, stem cells are harvested from the bone marrow of either the patient or a matched donor, and after the patient receives high doses of chemotherapy and possibly radiation, the stem cells are given back to the patient.
