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Treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

If you've been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), your cancer care team will discuss your treatment options with you. Your options may be affected by the AML subtype and certain other prognostic factors, as well as your age, overall health, and personal preferences.

How is acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated?

The main treatment for most types of AML is chemotherapy, sometimes along with a targeted therapy drug. This might be followed by a stem cell transplant. Other drugs (besides standard chemotherapy drugs) may be used to treat people with a subtype of AML known as acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Surgery and radiation therapy aren't major treatments for AML, but they might be useful in certain circumstances.

Common treatment approaches

Most subtypes of AML are treated in a similar way, with the exception of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The response rates for treatment can vary based on the subtype of AML, as well as other factors. Treatment options might be different if the AML doesn't respond to the initial treatment or if it comes back later on.

The treatment approach for children with AML can be slightly different from that used for adults. It's discussed separately in Treatment of Children With Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Who treats AML?

Based on your treatment options, you may have different types of doctors on your treatment team. These doctors could include:

  • A?hematologist: a doctor who treats disorders of the blood
  • A?medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines

Many cancer doctors are trained in both hematology and medical oncology, so they might be referred to as?hematologists/oncologists.

You might have many other specialists on your treatment team as well, including physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), nurses, nutrition specialists, social workers, financial counselors, and other health professionals.?

Making treatment decisions

It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including goals and possible side effects, with your treatment team to help make the decision that best fits your needs. Some important things to consider include:

  • Your age and overall health
  • The subtype of AML you have
  • The likelihood that treatment will cure you (or help in some other way)
  • Your feelings about the possible side effects from treatment

Learn about your treatment options, and be sure to ask questions about things that are unclear. Talk with your doctors about what you can expect during your treatment.

AML can often progress quickly if not treated, so treatment often needs to be started as soon as possible after the diagnosis is made. However, in some situations the results of lab tests might be needed to help choose the best treatment option, which might take several days.

If there is time, it's often a good idea to get a second opinion. A second opinion can give you more information and help you feel more confident about the treatment plan you choose.

Thinking about taking part in a clinical trial

Clinical trials?are carefully controlled research studies that are done to get a closer look at promising new treatments or procedures. Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the-art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer.?

If you would like to learn more about clinical trials that might be right for you, start by asking your doctor if your clinic or hospital conducts clinical trials.?

Considering integrative (holistic) and alternative methods

You may hear about alternative or?integrative (holistic) methods to relieve symptoms or treat your cancer that your doctors haven’t mentioned. These methods can include vitamins, herbs, and special diets, or other methods such as acupuncture or massage, to name a few.

Integrative?methods are treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of standard medical treatment. Although some of these methods might be helpful in relieving symptoms or helping you feel better, many have not been proven to work. Some might even be harmful. For example, some supplements might interfere with chemotherapy.

Be sure to talk to your cancer care team about any method you are thinking about using. They can help you learn what is known (or not known) about the method, which can help you make an informed decision.?

Help getting through cancer treatment

People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.

Whether you are thinking about treatment, getting treatment, or not being treated at all, you can still get supportive care to help with pain or other symptoms. Communicating with your cancer care team is important so you understand your diagnosis, what treatment is recommended, and ways to maintain or improve your quality of life.?

Different types of programs and support services may be helpful, and they can be an important part of your care. These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help.

The 91黑料不打烊 also has programs and services - including rides to treatment,? lodging, and more - to help you get through treatment.?Call our Cancer Knowledge Hub at 1-800-227-2345 and speak with one of our caring, trained cancer helpline specialists. Or, if you prefer, you can use our chat feature on cancer.org to connect with one of our specialists.