AML

Definition

AML, or Acute Myeloid Leukemia, is a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow and quickly progresses to the bloodstream. It is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells, which can crowd out healthy blood cells and impair the body's ability to fight infection, bleed, and clot properly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults, with an average age of diagnosis around 68 years old.
2. Chromosomal abnormalities, such as the t(8;21) translocation, are commonly associated with the development of AML.
3. AML is classified into different subtypes based on the specific genetic mutations and the stage of myeloid cell development at which the cancer originates.
4. Symptoms of AML can include fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, frequent infections, and bone or joint pain.
5. Treatment for AML typically involves intensive chemotherapy, often followed by a stem cell transplant for eligible patients.

Review Questions

• Explain how the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells in AML can impair the body's normal functions.
  • In AML, the abnormal white blood cells, known as blasts, multiply quickly and crowd out the healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. This can lead to a decrease in the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen, platelets, which help with clotting, and functional white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. As a result, patients with AML may experience fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding, and an increased susceptibility to infections, all of which can significantly impact the body's normal functions and overall health.
• Describe the role of clonal evolution in the progression and treatment of AML.
  • Clonal evolution is a key feature of AML, where the cancer cells acquire new genetic mutations over time. This leads to increased diversity and the development of more aggressive disease subtypes. As AML progresses, the cancer cells may become resistant to certain therapies, making treatment more challenging. Understanding the clonal evolution of AML is crucial for developing personalized treatment strategies, as healthcare providers may need to adjust the treatment plan to target the specific genetic mutations present in a patient's cancer cells at different stages of the disease.
• Evaluate the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment in improving outcomes for patients with AML.
  • Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for improving outcomes in patients with AML. AML is an aggressive form of cancer that can quickly progress if left untreated. Timely initiation of intensive chemotherapy, and potentially a stem cell transplant, can help to rapidly reduce the number of abnormal white blood cells and restore normal blood cell production. This can significantly improve the patient's chances of achieving remission and long-term survival. However, AML can be challenging to diagnose, as the early symptoms can be non-specific. Therefore, healthcare providers must maintain a high index of suspicion and promptly investigate any signs or symptoms that may indicate the presence of AML, in order to provide the best possible outcomes for their patients.

Related terms

Myeloid Cells: Myeloid cells are a type of blood cell that includes granulocytes, monocytes, and their precursor cells. In AML, these cells become cancerous and multiply uncontrollably.

Clonal Evolution: The process by which cancer cells acquire new genetic mutations over time, leading to increased diversity and more aggressive disease.

Chemotherapy: The use of powerful drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a common treatment approach for AML.