Pediatric AML: What Does It Look Like?

Childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow. In AML, the body makes an abnormal amount of blood cells, which are called blasts. These blasts build upon one another to crowd out the normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. “Cancers that are acute usually get worse quickly if they are not treated. Cancers that are chronic usually get worse slowly.”

Adult AML vs. Pediatric AML

There are a few differences between adult and pediatric AML:

• Genetic mutations are common in adults. But structural changes are more common in children.
• Structural changes can cause AML in children. Yet, structural changes and mutations are common when AML occurs in adults.
• Many treatments are based on adult AML. Doctors need to tailor treatment differently for children. “Findings reinforce the belief among some researchers that drugs developed and approved to treat cancers in adults may not always be effective or appropriate for children with the same cancer types.”

Symptoms

The cause of childhood AML is not known. Childhood AML is rare, but is most often seen in children under the age of 4 years old. Symptoms are hard to detect because they can mimic the symptoms of other illnesses:

• Anemia: a low red blood cell count. This can cause fatigue, dizziness and paleness.
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding. The bleeding (nosebleeds) may be hard to stop.
• Frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes and joint pain.
• Poor appetite.

The particular subtype of AML that your child has will determine the specifics of the treatment. It begins very soon after diagnosis and usually lasts 5-6 months, or even longer. 

Stages of Treatment

INDUCTION

Chemotherapy is the first stage of treatment. Two courses, with a combination of medications, will be given. Remission is the aim of this treatment course.

CONSOLIDATION

The goal for this treatment is to eliminate any remaining leukemia cells and prevent AML from returning. This normally involves two more courses of chemotherapy.

RADIATION

Treatment is delivered through high beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. Although this is a treatment option, it is rarely used in children.

STEM CELL TRANSPLANTS

If test results show that your child has a high-risk AML, a stem cell transplant may be a preferred option. They will receive blood stem cells from a healthy donor. 

Conclusion

You can read more details about chemotherapy and transplants HERE.

“Survival rates have improved dramatically in recent years for kids with AML…The five-year survival rate has increased from 20% to 68% for children younger than 15 years old.”