Episode 1: When Should Treatment Start? What AML Patients Need to Know
SpotifyIn this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Samuel Yates, a researcher focused on leukemia in older adults, to talk about a topic that’s often on the minds of AML patients: how quickly treatment should start after diagnosis. Dr. Yates walks us through new research looking at “time from diagnosis to treatment” in patients receiving the now-standard combination of hypomethylating agents and venetoclax.
His findings suggest that for some patients, taking a little extra time to wait for genetic test results and assess overall physical fitness can actually lead to better outcomes. These findings challenge the long-held belief that immediate treatment after diagnosis is always best. Dr. Yates also breaks down what genetic testing really means and why it’s so important in guiding today’s more personalized treatment approaches.
He expands on what researchers around the world are learning about timing and treatment for AML. The study Dr. Yates led focused on the now-common combination of hypomethylating agents and venetoclax, especially for older adults. They found that patients who started treatment after 14 days from diagnosis had better survival—likely because doctors had time to gather more genetic information, assess the patient's overall health, and help them get physically ready for their AML treatment.
This suggests that, for many patients, taking that extra time may lead to more personalized, better-targeted care, without worsening outcomes. Ongoing trials may even show that these newer, gentler treatments work just as well in younger patients, with fewer side effects.
Here at HealthTree, we will keep an eye on this important line of research and keep our audience up to date on any advances made so you can have educated conversations with your doctors and make sure you are receiving the best treatment for your specific case of AML.
Mary Arnett
Mary joined HealthTree in 2022 as a part of HealthTree's team to help expand into all blood cancers. She now works as HealthTree's Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager, helping to engage and involve community members in HealthTree's mission. When she isn't working, she loves being the fun aunt to her 13 nieces and nephews, attending concerts, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and traveling to explore new cities.
Dr. Samuel Yates
Dr. Yates is a researcher interested in hematologic malignancies (especially leukemias, like AML) in older adults, with a specific interest in the assessment and intervention of nutrition and body composition in these patients.
