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Adult Acute Myeloid

Leukemia

Overview
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the
blood and bone marrow
Affects myeloid stem cells by interfering with the
maturation process
Abnormal cells are also called blasts
(National Cancer Institute, 2012)
Cell proliferation is rapid
There are 8 different subtypes

Overview continued
AML is also called Acute Myelogenous Leukemia,
Acute Myoblastic Leukemia, Acute Granulocytic
Leukemia, and Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia

(Mayo Clinic, 2012)


It is the most common type of Acute Leukemia
found in adults

Etiology
These are some of the risks associated with AML:
Smoking cigarettes contain Benzene and other
harmful carcinogens
Radiation exposure to high levels of radiation

Exposure to hazardous chemicals


Previous cancer treatments

Genetic and pre-existing conditions


(Mayo Clinic, 2012; National Cancer Institute, 2012)

Epidemiology
Age

Sex
Race
Geography
(Seiter, 2012)

Symptoms
Fatigue
Fever
Shortness of breath

Ongoing upper respiratory infections


Bone pain

Bruising or petechiae
Abnormal bleeding
(Seiter, 2012; National Cancer Institute, 2012)

Diagnostic Tests
Physical examination

Complete blood count


Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
Blood studies
Immunophenotyping
Cytogenetic analysis
(Seiter 2012; National Cancer Institute, 2012; Fanning et al, 2009)

Treatment
Patients typically undergo 2 phases of treatment:
First phase - Remission Induction Therapy
Chemotherapy combination of agents
Drug therapy
Second phase - Consolidation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Bone marrow transplant
Autologous, Allogenic,

Clinical Trials
Targeted Therapy
(National Cancer Institute, 2012; Mayo Clinic, 2012; Seiter 2012;
National Marrow Donor Program, n.d.)

Prognosis
Estimated that in 2012, there would be 13,780 new
cases , and 10,200 deaths due to AML
(National Cancer Institute, 2012)

Factors that determine prognosis:


Age
Subtype of AML
Recurrence
Causation
Previous treatment
Pre-existing conditions/genetics
Spread nervous system
Type of bone marrow transplant
(eMed TV, 2006; National Cancer Institute, 2012)

Outcomes
Approximately 60%-70% will achieve complete
remission
Those under the age of 60 have a 65% chance of
total remission
Roughly 45% survive 3 or more years
(National Cancer Institute, 2012)

Resources
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
www.lls.org
National Marrow Donor Program
www.marrow.org

References
Acute myelogenous leukemia. (n.d.). In Be the match. Retrieved November
5, 2012, from National Marrow Donor Program website:
http://marrow.org/Patient/Disease_and_Treatment/About_Your_Disease/A
ML/Acute_Myelogenous_Leukemia_%28AML%29.aspx
Acute myeloid leukemia consolidation. (n.d.). In Cancer connect.
Retrieved November 6, 2012, from Cancer Consultants, Inc website:
http://news.cancerconnect.com/acute-myeloid-leukemia-consolidation/
Adult acute myeloid leukemia treatment. (2012, July 30). In National
cancer institute. Retrieved November 5, 2012, from National Institutes of
Health website:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/adultAML/Patient/page
1

References continued
Fanning, S., MD, Sekeres, M., MD, & Theil, K., MD. (2009, January 1).
Acute myelogenous leukemia. Retrieved November 7, 2012, from The
Cleveland Clinic Foundation website:
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/he
matology-oncology/acute-myelogenous-leukemia/#cesec15
Schoendstadt, A., MD. (2006, July 5). AML prognosis. In eMedtv.
Retrieved November 7, 2012, from Clinaero website:
http://leukemia.emedtv.com/aml/aml-prognosis-p2.html
Seiter, K., MD. (2012, March 9). Acute myelogenous leukemia. In
Medscape. Retrieved November 5, 2012, from WebMD LLC website:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/197802-overview

References continued
Staff, M. C. (2012, September 15). Acute myelogenous leukemia. In Mayo
clinic. Retrieved November 5, 2012, from Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acutemyelogenous-leukemia/DS00548

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