Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) Treatment in Indore

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) -Detailed Description.

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow, where blood cells are generated. In AML, the bone marrow develops abnormal myeloid cells (immature white blood cells known as myeloblasts) that proliferate at a high rate, and they do not work normally. These leukemic cells occupy the healthy blood, causing anaemic condition, infections and bleeding.

How AML Develops

AML interferes with the development of myeloid stem cells, which normally develop into:

Red blood cells

White blood cells (except the lymphocytes)

Platelets

The immature myeloid cells (blasts), which are usually found in the bone marrow and blood, infiltrate AML and inhibit the production of normal blood cells.

These cells are also capable of infiltrating other organs like the liver, the spleen, as well as the lymph nodes.

Who Can Get AML?

The AML is the most prevalent among adults, particularly those who are above 60 years.

It is not very common among children, but it may happen.

There is a high risk of developing the disease in individuals who have received chemotherapy, radiation, some genetic disorders, or blood disorders.

Causes & Risk Factors

Its precise cause is usually not known, but the risk factors include:

Past chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Breathing in benzene or other chemicals.

Smoking

Genetic disorders (e.g. Down syndrome)

Other hematologic violations (such as myelodysplastic syndrome)

Symptoms

The resultant symptoms are caused by the low count of healthy blood cells and can be:

Weakness (anaemia-induced fatigue) and fatigue.

Low white blood cells (resulting in frequent infections).

Low platelets (easy bruising/ bleeding).

Fever

Shortness of breath

Bone or joint pain

Swollen gums or lymph nodes

Unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis

Physicians can diagnose AML by conducting several tests:

Complete blood count (CBC) - can be high or low white blood cell count, low platelets, and anaemia.

Bone marrow biopsy -establishes abnormality of the blast cells.

Flow cytometry- determines cell type.

Cytogenetic/molecular testing- identifies genetic mutations which inform treatment.

Imaging tests- to test organ involvement.

Types of AML

Several subtypes of AML are determined by the type of myeloid cells involved and genetic alterations:

Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia (APL) subtype is a specific treatment.

AML that has genetic mutations (e.g. FLT3, NPM1).

AML secondary to other conditions of the blood or chemotherapy.

Treatment

AML is a disease that has to be treated immediately, as it develops rapidly. Treatment through standard includes:

1. Induction Therapy

Purpose: to eliminate the majority of leukaemia cells by means of killing in case of remission.

Treatment normally entails severe chemotherapy.

2. Consolidation Therapy

Purpose: eradicate the residual cells of leukaemia to avoid recurrence.

It may entail high-dose chemotherapy or a stem cell transplant.

3. Targeted Therapy

In the case of certain genetic mutations (e.g. FLT3 inhibitors, ATRA to APL)

4. Supportive Care

Blood transfusions

Antibiotics for infections

Growth factors to increase blood counts.

Prognosis

The prognosis is determined by the age of the patient, mutations in genes, response to treatment, and general health.

The young patients and those with good genes perform better.

There is a risk of relapse; it is imperative to follow up in the long term.

Life After Treatment

Frequent observation of relapse.

Controlling the side effects of the treatment (e.g., fatigue, infections)

Change in lifestyle to help in maintaining good health.