Is also referred to as acute myelogenous leukemia
Is one of the 4 main types of leukemia
The other major types of Leukemia are:
1.) Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
2.) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
3.) Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
Is a cancer of the blood cells, specifically of the myeloid cells.
Affects the white blood cells (WBC) within the bone marrow
This causes problems with the production of the normal blood cells.
Progression is quite rapid from onset to severe symptoms
Very often affect adults and rarely in younger ages
A small amount of those who are treated actually become cured
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Fevers
- Weight loss
- Increased risk of infection
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
- Brusing
- Skin Inflammation
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in legs
- Shortness of breath
- Enlargement of Spleen – usually less then ALL
- Enlargement of Liver
- others
Potential Causes
- Specific cause is unkown
- Chemical exposure
- Radiation
- Genetics
Classification
M0 - minimally differentiated – acute myeloblastic leukemia
M1 – no maturation – acute myeloblastic leukemia
M2 - + Granulocytic maturation – acute myeloblatic leukemia
M3 – acute promyelocytic leukemia
M4 – acute myelomonoctic leukemia
M4eo – bone marrow eosinophilia
M5 - acyte monoblastic leukemia or acute monocytic leukemia
M6 - acute erythroid leukemia
M7 - acute megakaryoblastic leukemia
Blood work is essential to diagnosis
Bone marrow biopsy is essential
Treatment
Chemotherapy
Induction: Attempt for complete remission
. Cytarabine – used for 7 days
. Daunorubicin – used for 3 days
. Idarubicin
. All-trans-retinoic-acid (ATRA) – typically used for M3 – acute promyelocytic leukemia
Consolidation: To prevent relapse and the non-detectable disease
Bone marrow transplant is often required
Chemotherapy is often required
AML that relapses
Bone Marrow transplant
. gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg)
. arsenic trioxide – typically used for M3 - acute promyelocytic leukemia