Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that starts in cells that become white blood cells (but can also start in other types of blood-forming cells). The term “acute” refers to the potentially rapid progression of the disease, which can be fatal if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
In AML, the bone marrow rapidly produces abnormal myeloblasts, a type of white blood cell, that aren’t fully developed and can’t carry out their normal functions. Over time, they accumulate and push out healthy cells, which can lead to frequent infections, anemia, and easy bruising or bleeding as a result of a shortage of normal blood cells.
Risk factors associated with AML may include, among others, being a male, aged above 45, previous treatment with chemotherapy or exposure to certain chemicals, tobacco smoke, and some genetic disorders like Down syndrome.
This cancer is usually diagnosed via blood tests, bone marrow tests, and/or genetic tests. Treatment often involves chemotherapy, other drug therapies, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant for eligible patients. The specific treatment plan depends on several factors, including the subtype of AML, the patient’s age, overall health, and personal preferences.
Causes of Acute myeloid leukaemia
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells in the body. It originates in the bone marrow where blood cells are produced and can spread rapidly through the blood to other areas of the body. The exact cause of AML is not definitively known, but several factors are associated with increased risk. They include:
1. Age: AML is more common in adults, and the risk increases with age.
2. Sex: Men are slightly more likely to develop AML than women.
3. Previous cancer treatment: People who have received certain types of chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other cancers are more likely to develop AML.
4. Exposure to radiation: Exposure to high levels of radiation increases the risk of AML. This was observed in the survivors of atomic bomb explosions in Japan.
5. Chemical exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals, including benzene, which is used widely in the chemical industry, can increase the risk of AML.
6. Genetic disorders: Certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome and Fanconi anaemia, can increase the risk of AML.
7. Smoking: This significantly increases the risk of AML.
8. Blood disorders: Certain blood disorders, like myelodysplastic syndromes, can increase the risk of developing AML.
It’s important to note that having one or several of these risk factors does not mean an individual will certainly develop AML. These are observed risks that may facilitate the development of the disease. It’s believed that AML develops after DNA in developing cells is damaged somehow, but why this happens so randomly isn’t known.
Risk Factors of Acute myeloid leukaemia
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal cells. Here are several risk factors associated with AML:
1. Age: AML can occur at any age, but it generally affects older adults. Risks increase significantly for those over 45 years of age and it is most common in those over 60 years.
2. Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop AML.
3. Previous cancer treatment: Certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy used to treat other types of cancer might increase the patient’s risk of developing AML.
4. Genetic disorders: Certain genetic disorders, such as Down Syndrome or Fanconi Anaemia, can increase the risk of AML.
5. Blood disorders: Certain blood-related conditions, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes and polycythemia vera can increase the risk of developing AML.
6. Exposure to certain chemicals: Long-term exposure to certain industrial chemicals, such as benzene, is associated with an elevated risk of AML.
7. Radiation exposure: People exposed to high levels of radiation, such as survivors of a nuclear reactor accident, have an increased risk of developing AML.
8. Smoking: This exposes individuals to benzene and other known carcinogens, increasing the risk of AML.
9. Family history of leukemia: A family history of leukemia – especially if more than one family member has had the disease – can increase the risk.
10. Certain genetic mutations: Certain gene mutations such as FLT3, NPM1, or CEBPA are associated with an increased risk of AML.
It’s important to note that having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop AML. Similarly, people who have no risk factors for this disease can still develop it. The exact cause of AML is still not completely understood.
Signs and Symptoms of Acute myeloid leukaemia
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The disease originates in cells that would turn into white blood cells. Here are some common signs and symptoms:
1. Fatigue and Weakness: One of the most common symptoms of AML is feeling extremely tired or weak, which often results from a lack of normal blood cells.
2. Frequent Infections: People with AML often get infections more frequently, because their bodies are producing too many immature white blood cells that aren’t equipped to fight off infection.
3. Fever: A persistently high temperature could be a sign of an infection that the body can’t fight off due to AML.
4. Easy bruising or Bleeding: This includes regular nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavier periods than normal in women, or bruising with no known cause.
5. Shortness of Breath: Patients might experience breathlessness due to lack of red blood cells that are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body.
6. Skin Paleness: This symptom, again, is due to a decreased number of red blood cells in the bloodstream.
7. Bone and Joint Pain: AML can cause aches and pains in the bones or joints. This is because the build-up of abnormal white cells in the bone marrow leads to increased pressure.
8. Unexplained Weight Loss: This symptom is not as common, but some people with AML might lose weight without trying.
9. Loss of Appetite: Due to feeling unwell, some patients may lose their appetite.
10. Swollen Gums: In some cases, the gums may become swollen and painful due to the collection of abnormal cells.
11. Swollen liver or spleen: This symptom might cause discomfort or a feeling of fullness below the ribs.
If you or anyone else is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to contact a healthcare professional sooner rather than later. While these symptoms can be indicative of less severe illnesses, they demand investigation to rule out AML or other serious health conditions.
Diagnosis Acute myeloid leukaemia
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It’s called ‘acute’ because it develops rapidly and requires immediate treatment.
The word ‘myeloid’ refers to the type of cell the leukaemia starts from. In this case, it’s the myeloid cell line, including cells that would turn into white blood cells (other than lymphocytes), red blood cells, or platelet-making cells.
AML starts in the bone marrow (the soft inner part of some bones, where new blood cells are made), but in most cases it quickly moves into the blood. Sometimes 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.
In AML, the leukaemia cells crowd out the normal blood cells in the bone marrow, making it harder for the body to produce healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This can cause infections, anaemia, and easy bleeding.
Some common symptoms include fatigue, palpitations, easy bruising and bleeding, frequent infections, fever, bone pain, and weight loss. However, symptoms can vary based on the type of AML and where it has spread in the body.
The exact cause of AML isn’t known, but certain factors can increase your risk, such as exposure to certain chemicals and radiation, certain blood disorders, certain genetic disorders, smoking, and age (risk increases with age).
AML is diagnosed through blood tests, bone marrow tests, and sometimes genetic testing. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy, and sometimes stem cell transplant. The prognosis depends on a variety of factors, including the subtype of AML, the patient’s age and health status, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.
Treatment of Acute myeloid leukaemia
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) treatment varies based on the specifics of the disease including the patient’s age, overall health and sub-type of AML. Generally, the treatment is separated into two phases: remission induction therapy and post-remission therapy.
1. Remission Induction Therapy: The goal here is to kill the leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow to induce remission. Intravenous chemotherapy is the main method used, and it frequently involves a combination of drugs to increase effectiveness. For most patients, this includes Cytarabine (Ara-C) and an anthracycline drug such as Daunorubicin or Idarubicin. Treatment may be intensive and can cause severe side effects, but it’s necessary to kill the leukemia cells.
2. Post-Remission Therapy: This phase aims to kill any remaining leukemia cells that could cause a relapse. This may involve more chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Further chemotherapy generally uses high doses of Cytarabine. Stem cell transplant typically involves a conditioning regimen of high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to prepare the body for the transplant, followed by infusion of donor stem cells.
In some cases, targeted therapy such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, FLT3 inhibitors, or other monoclonal antibodies may be used to specifically target genetically abnormal cells.
For elderly patients or those with significant co-existing health conditions, intensive chemotherapy may not be suitable due to its high toxicity. In such cases, low-dose chemotherapy, supportive care, or enrollment in a clinical trial may be the chosen approach.
Given the complexity and individual nature of AML treatment, it will be directed and closely monitored by a healthcare team that specializes in this kind of cancer. Their recommendations will be based on factors such as the subtype of AML, the patient’s age, and their general health status. The early phases of treatment can often involve a stay in hospital of a month or more.
Please refer to a healthcare professional or oncologist for more detailed and personalized advice.
Medications commonly used for Acute myeloid leukaemia
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It’s common in older people and requires immediate treatment. Various medications are used in its treatment, and they fall under the broad category of chemotherapy.
1. Cytarabine (Ara-C): This drug stops cancer cells from creating DNA, preventing their growth and replication. The medicine is usually administered through an injection.
2. Daunorubicin and Idarubicin: These are anthracyclines used to treat AML. Like cytarabine, these drugs prevent the creation of DNA in cancer cells to inhibit their growth.
3. Etoposide (VP-16): Etoposide works by inhibiting enzymes that aid in DNA replication, thus halting the growth of cancer cells.
4. Midostaurin: This is a relatively new medication that’s used in adult patients newly diagnosed with AML. It’s used alongside chemotherapy.
5. Enasidenib: It’s utilized in the treatment of adult patients with specific mutations in the IDH2 gene and AML.
6. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg): This drug is an antibody-drug conjugate. It’s typically used for newly diagnosed CD33-positive AML in adults.
7. Venetoclax (Venclexta): This drug is designed to treat AML in adults aged 75 years or older, or those who have health conditions that preclude the use of standard chemotherapy.
These medications are usually prescribed in combination to treat Acute Myeloid Leukemia. However, the exact regimen will depend on various factors, including the patient’s overall health status, AML subtype, and age. Your healthcare provider can offer more detailed and personalized advice.
Please note that while these drugs can be effective, they can also have severe side effects like fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and more. They also carry a risk of causing secondary cancers. As such, it’s important for healthcare providers to balance the benefits and side effects when creating a treatment plan.
Always consult with your healthcare provider or team for personalized medical advice.
Prevention of Acute myeloid leukaemia
Prevention of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is not always possible as the exact causes are not fully known. However, there are several measures you can take which may reduce the risk:
1. Avoid Exposure to Radiation and Certain Chemicals: Exposure to certain environmental factors such as high levels of radiation and certain chemicals like benzene, used in the petroleum and rubber industry, may increase the risk of AML. Minimizing your exposure to those would be beneficial.
2. Limit Exposure to Certain Chemotherapy Drugs: Some chemotherapy drugs used to treat certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, may increase the risk of later developing AML.
3. Avoid Smoking: Studies show that cigarette smoking increases the risk of AML as tobacco smoke contains benzene and other known carcinogens.
4. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involving a balanced diet and regular exercise could help. While there’s no direct link to prevention, overall wellness could potentially enhance your body’s immunity and resistance towards diseases.
However, it’s significant to note that most people with known risk factors do not get leukemia, and many people who do get the disease have none of these risk factors. For many people, there is no way to prevent leukemia.
If you are concerned about your risk of developing AML, it would be best to talk to your doctor who would be able to provide you with the most appropriate advice based on your personal medical history and other important factors.
FAQ’s about Acute myeloid leukaemia
1. What is Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)?
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a type of cancer that starts in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. It matures into different types of blood cells. In AML, these cells become cancerous and multiply rapidly, preventing normal healthy blood cells from being produced.
2. What are the signs and symptoms of AML?
Some common symptoms of AML include fatigue, fever, recurrent infections, unexplained weight loss, easy bruising or bleeding, frequent nosebleeds, bone pain, night sweats, and shortness of breath.
3. What causes AML?
The exact cause of AML is not known. However, there are several risk factors that increase the chances of developing AML, such as exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, previous chemotherapy, certain blood disorders, smoking, and certain genetic disorders.
4. How is AML diagnosed?
AML is usually diagnosed by performing a physical examination and evaluating symptoms. Then, a blood test and a bone marrow biopsy will be done to confirm the diagnosis.
5. What are the treatment options for AML?
The treatment for AML usually involves chemotherapy, which is often given in two phases: remission induction therapy and post-remission therapy. In some cases, stem cell transplant may be recommended.
6. Is AML curable?
While AML is a serious disease, it is treatable and often curable, especially in younger patients. The prognosis varies depending on several factors including the patient’s age, overall health, and the specific subtype of AML.
7. Who is at risk of getting AML?
AML can affect people of any age, but it is more common in adults than in children. Other risk factors include being male, older age, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, smoking, and having a history of certain other blood disorders or cancers.
8. Can AML be prevented?
Since the exact cause of AML isn’t known and many of the risk factors (such as age, gender, and certain genetic conditions) can’t be changed, it’s not possible to prevent most cases of AML. However, reducing exposure to certain risk factors, such as radiation, certain chemicals, and tobacco, may help lower the risk.
9. What is the survival rate for AML?
Survival rates can vary widely for AML depending on various factors, including age and overall health of the patient, the subtype of AML, and the specific treatment plan. It’s important to discuss these factors with the healthcare team to get the most accurate prognosis.
10. What kind of support is there for people with AML?
There are many resources available for patients and their families. This includes medical support from healthcare professionals, as well as emotional and psychological support from counselors, support groups, and other resources. Financial assistance may also be available to help with treatment costs.
Remember, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or need more detailed information.
And List out useful links from journals for Acute myeloid leukaemia
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It causes an increase in abnormal myeloblasts, a type of white blood cell in your body. AML is quite serious and progresses quickly without treatment.
Here are some journals and useful links with regards to AML:
Please remember that while these articles can provide a general overview about AML, always consult with healthcare professionals for medical advice.
All links are accurate at the time of providing. Make sure that your use of these articles aligns with each publisher’s terms and conditions.
Complications of Acute myeloid leukaemia
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal cells that build up in the bone marrow and blood and interfere with normal blood cells. The complications of AML can be severe and stem primarily from the lack of healthy blood cells and from the disease itself. Here are some of the primary complications:
1. Infections: With AML, the immune system becomes highly compromised due to the lack of white blood cells which fight off infections. As a result, patients with AML often suffer from frequent or severe infections.
2. Bleeding: AML also causes a decrease in platelets– the blood cells responsible for clotting. This can lead to excessive bleeding from minor cuts or bruises, frequent nosebleeds, or heavy menstrual periods in women.
3. Anemia: In AML, the number of red blood cells is also decreased. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, and their deficiency (anemia) can cause fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
4. Life-Threatening Complications: In severe cases, AML can cause life-threatening complications like disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) – a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become abnormally active – or tumor lysis syndrome which can lead to kidney failure or heart problems.
5. Side Effects from Treatment: While necessary, treatments for AML such as chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplantation can cause various serious side effects ranging from infection, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss, to more severe ones like organ damage, fertility problems, secondary cancers, etc.
6. Psychological Distress: AML and its treatment can also cause significant psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, affecting the overall quality of life.
The patient’s age, overall health, and response to treatment can influence the severity and range of these complications.
Home remedies of Acute myeloid leukaemia
There’s no home remedy or alternative treatment that can cure acute myeloid leukemia, or any types of cancer. Acute myeloid leukemia is a serious type of blood cancer that requires conventional medical treatments such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or stem cell transplant, often under the direction of an oncologist.
However, there are complementary methods and lifestyle choices that can support overall health and potentially help the body cope with the disease or side effects of treatment. This include:
1. Eating a balanced diet: Focusing on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can enhance overall health and help the body recover from treatments.
2. Physical exercise: Regular moderate exercise can boost energy, mood, and overall health.
3. Regular sleep: Adequate rest is important for cellular repair and overall health.
4. Mind-body techniques: Meditation, yoga, and guided imagery can reduce stress and anxiety.
5. Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity may increase the risk of complications from cancer and treatments.
Individuals should always consult their healthcare provider before initiating any home remedies or lifestyle changes. It’s crucial to understand that these suggestions should support, not replace, traditional medical treatments deemed necessary by a healthcare professional.