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Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

What is acute myeloid leukemia?

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is also called acute myelogenous leukemia. It is a fast-growing cancer of the bone marrow and blood cells. Cells that should become white blood cells (WBCs) do not fully grow. These cells are called myeloblasts and monoblasts. They do not fight infection like a normal WBC should. They crowd the bone marrow and prevent normal blood cells from growing and fighting infection. The exact cause of AML is not known.

What causes AML?

What are the signs and symptoms of AML?

How is AML diagnosed?

How is AML treated?

You may have treatment in phases. In the first phase (induction phase), healthcare providers will give you treatments to make your AML go into remission. Remission means there are no longer any signs of leukemia. After you are in remission, you will receive the next phase of treatment called postremission treatment. The goal of this phase it to kill any hidden leukemia cells and help you stay in remission.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

View more treatment options

What can I do to manage my AML?

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

When should I seek immediate care?

When should I call your doctor?

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Learn more about Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Treatment options

Symptoms and treatments

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.