What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that originates in the bone marrow, but in most cases, it quickly moves into the blood. It can also spread to other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and testicles. AML is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. The disease is called 'acute' because it can progress quickly if not treated, and 'myeloid' refers to the type of cell the leukemia cells come from. In terms of epidemiology, AML is relatively rare. It is most commonly diagnosed in older adults, with the average age at diagnosis being 68 years. However, it can occur at any age. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2021, there will be about 20,240 new cases of AML (11,400 in men and 8,840 in women) and about 11,400 deaths from AML (6,410 in men and 4,990 in women) in the United States. The exact cause of AML is not known, but several risk factors have been identified. These include exposure to certain chemicals (like benzene), radiation, certain chemotherapy drugs, smoking, and certain blood disorders (like myelodysplastic syndrome). Some genetic disorders like Down syndrome can also increase the risk. Symptoms of AML can be vague and non-specific, but may include fatigue, shortness of breath, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, weight loss, and frequent infections. Some patients may also experience bone pain or tenderness, swollen gums, and skin pallor. Diagnosis of AML typically involves blood tests, bone marrow tests, and cytogenetic analysis. The treatment of AML usually begins with induction chemotherapy to achieve remission, followed by consolidation (post-remission) therapy to kill any remaining leukemia cells. Other treatment options may include targeted therapy, stem cell transplant, and supportive care to manage symptoms and side effects. The prognosis of AML varies widely depending on several factors, including the patient's age, overall health, the subtype of AML, and specific genetic mutations present in the leukemia cells. Despite advances in treatment, the overall 5-year survival rate for AML is still only about 30%. Research is ongoing to find new and more effective treatments for AML. Current areas of investigation include new chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and strategies to make stem cell transplants more effective.