Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It 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.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of AML is not known, but certain risk factors have been identified. These include:

• Exposure to radiation or chemotherapy
• Genetic disorders such as Down syndrome
• Family history of leukemia
• Previous treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene
• Smoking

Symptoms

The symptoms of AML can vary depending on the individual and the stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Weight loss
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent infections
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Bone or joint pain

Diagnosis

AML is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. These may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Bone marrow biopsy or aspiration
• Cytogenetic analysis
• Molecular testing
• Imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans

Treatment

Treatment for AML usually involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care. The goal of treatment is to:

• Induce remission (achieve a complete response)
• Consolidate the response (prevent relapse)
• Maintain long-term survival

Treatment options may include:

• Chemotherapy, such as cytarabine or daunorubicin
• Radiation therapy
• Bone marrow transplantation (allogeneic or autologous)
• Targeted therapy, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors
• Immunotherapy

Prognosis

The prognosis for AML varies depending on the individual and the stage of the disease. Factors that affect prognosis include:

• Age
• Overall health
• Response to treatment
• Cytogenetic and molecular characteristics

With current treatments, the overall survival rate for AML is around 25-30% at 5 years. However, this can vary depending on the specific subtype of AML and the individual's response to treatment.