Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, known as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or AML, is a fast-growing cancer that starts in the bone marrow or other blood-forming tissue and spreads into the bloodstream. It is the most common type of leukemia.
What is Acute Myelogenous Leukemia?
AML is a type of cancer in which immature stem cells that normally mature into normal red or white ... read more »
AML Diagnosis and Treatment
Acute myelogenous leukemia is treated in a number of ways, and adults are treated differently than children. Investigators are also pursuing a number of new, experimental approaches. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, “The number of patients with AML who enter remission, stay in remission for years or are cured has increased significantly over the past 30 years.”
Dulcinea's Insight
- One of our Picks discusses complementary and alternative medical treatments designed to supplement AML treatment. To learn more about treatment types and philosophies, see the findingDulcinea Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For diagnosis …
The American Cancer Society
has an in-depth discussion of AML’s symptoms and the different tests doctors use to diagnose it.
Adam.com
explains what happens during a bone marrow aspiration, in which part of the marrow is removed so doctors can examine it. Another page describes a similar procedure, a bone marrow biopsy.
For treating adults …
The National Cancer Institute
briefly describes the two treatment phases for adults with AML, and outlines the four standard treatment options: radiation therapy, medication, chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.
Cancer Backup
is a UK nonprofit that provides cancer information. This page explains the different types of transplants, such as receiving stem cells from a donor or your own.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
discusses some of the investigational studies that are underway to combat AML.
ClinicalTrials.gov
is a clearinghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health that provides a list of research clinical trials currently underway to test experimental treatments for AML. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor, and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s guide.
For treating children …
The American Cancer Society
describes the treatment procedures for children with AML. The society recommends children get treatment at hospitals with experience in this type of leukemia “because of the intensity of treatment and the risk of serious complications.”
To find a children’s hospital …
CureSearch
has a directory of hospitals that are part of the Children’s Oncology Group, a worldwide group of health professionals dedicated to treating childhood cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 90 percent of children diagnosed with cancer are treated at these centers.
The National Cancer Institute
answers questions about specialized pediatric cancer centers in the Children’s Oncology Group, their standards and clinical trials.
To find a cancer center for adults …
The National Cancer Institute
has a searchable directory of cancer centers that the agency recognizes for their excellence. Be sure to click on either “Comprehensive Cancer Center” or “Cancer Center” that provides patient services.
For complementary and alternative medicine …
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
discusses the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in this 13-page PDF document. Speak to your doctor before using any CAM, as other treatments could affect your conventional treatment.
For clinical trials …
ClinicalTrials.gov
is a clearinghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health that lists clinical trials currently underway to research AML. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide.
Support for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
A cancer diagnosis, while devastating, should not be isolating. Thousands of people are diagnosed ... read more »







