myeloid leukemia

Myeloid Leukemia: An Overview

Myeloid leukemia, also known as Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow [2]. It is characterized by an overproduction of immature white blood cells called myeloblasts in the bone marrow and blood [1].

What is AML?

AML is a rare cancer that typically occurs when certain genes or chromosomes mutate, leading to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells [4]. This type of leukemia progresses rapidly without treatment, affecting mostly immature cells that are not fully developed [6].

Causes and Symptoms

The underlying pathophysiology in AML involves clonal expansion and arrested maturation of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells [7]. Common symptoms include fatigue, pallor, easy bruising and bleeding, fever, and infection. In some cases, extramedullary leukemic infiltration may also be present [8].

Key Facts

• AML is a type of acute leukemia that gets worse quickly if left untreated [5].
• It affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of immature white blood cells.
• Symptoms include fatigue, pallor, easy bruising and bleeding, fever, and infection.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8

Common Signs and Symptoms of Myeloid Leukemia

Myeloid leukemia, also known as acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The signs and symptoms of AML can vary from person to person, but there are some common ones to look out for.

General Symptoms

• Weight loss [1]
• Pale skin [3][6][7][9]
• Tiredness or fatigue [4][5][8][9]
• Breathlessness or shortness of breath [3][6][7][9]
• Frequent infections [2][4][5][8][9]

Other Symptoms

• Bleeding or bruising easily [4]
• Fever or chills [8]
• Persistent fatigue or weakness [8]
• Unusual and frequent bleeding, such as bleeding gums or nosebleeds [9]
• Headaches [4]
• Dizziness [4]
• Blurred vision [4]

Important Note

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those of other, less serious illnesses. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] - General symptoms of leukemia can affect men or women and do not differ by sex or gender. [2] - Acute myelogenous leukemia symptoms are like those of many more-common conditions, such as infections. [3] - The signs and symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are common to other, less serious illnesses. [4] - Symptoms of AML can be different in each person. The most common symptoms include: Bleeding. Bruising. Fever . Recurring or frequent infections. Feeling weak. Feeling tired (fatigue) Pale skin. Shortness of breath. Chest pain. Dizziness. Headaches. Blurred vision. Aches in bones and joints [5] - Symptoms of AML can be different in each person. [6] - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a blood cancer that begins in your bone marrow. [7] - February 18, 2020 - Read about the symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), which include pale skin, tiredness, breathlessness, high temperature, sweating, weight loss and frequent infections. [8] - Leukemia symptoms vary, depending on the type of leukemia. Common leukemia signs and symptoms include: Fever or chills; Persistent fatigue, weakness; Frequent or severe infections; ... Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). AML is a common type of leukemia. It occurs in children and adults. [9] - Signs and symptoms of AML · pale skin · tiredness · breathlessness · frequent infections · unusual and frequent bleeding, such as bleeding gums or ...

Diagnostic Tests for Myeloid Leukemia

Myeloid leukemia, also known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Diagnosing AML requires a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests.

Common Diagnostic Tests:

• Blood Tests: Blood tests are used to check for abnormal levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood. These tests can help identify AML by detecting an increase in immature white blood cells (blasts) [7].
• Bone Marrow Tests: Bone marrow tests involve taking a sample of bone marrow from the hipbone or sternum to examine under a microscope. This test is used to confirm a diagnosis of AML and determine the subtype of the disease [5, 8].
• Cell Examination: Cell examination involves examining blood cells under a microscope to identify abnormal cell morphology.
• Immunophenotyping (Flow Cytometry): Immunophenotyping is a laboratory test that uses fluorescent dyes to detect specific proteins on the surface of white blood cells. This test can help diagnose AML by identifying abnormal protein expression [3, 9].
• Cytogenetic Analysis: Cytogenetic analysis involves examining chromosomes and genes to identify genetic abnormalities associated with AML.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of bone marrow is taken from the hipbone or sternum to examine under a microscope. This test can help confirm a diagnosis of AML [5].

Other Diagnostic Tests:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC is a blood test that checks for abnormal levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood.
• Blood Chemistry: Blood chemistry tests are used to check for abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the blood.

These diagnostic tests can help diagnose myeloid leukemia by identifying abnormal cell morphology, genetic abnormalities, and changes in blood cell counts. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and management of AML.

References: [1] Jun 5, 2024 — Lab tests to diagnose acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and learn more about it [3] Tests Your Doctor May Use to Diagnose AML [5] To confirm a diagnosis of AML, a small sample of your bone marrow will be taken to examine under a microscope. [7] Dec 9, 2022 — Complete blood count (CBC). This test checks how many white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets you have. [8] Medical pathologists determine AML subtypes by examining cancerous cells under a microscope. They also look for changes in your chromosomes and mutations in ... [9] Apr 25, 2024 — Tests your specialist might do

Treatment Options for Myeloid Leukemia

Myeloid leukemia, also known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The treatment options for AML have evolved over the years, and today, there are several effective therapies available.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy remains one of the main treatments for most people with AML [2]. The most common chemotherapy drug used is cytarabine (Cytosar), which may be combined with other chemotherapy or targeted therapy drugs [6]. The usual approach is to use a combination of chemotherapy and targeted therapy to induce remission.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy has become an essential part of AML treatment. These medications specifically target the genetic mutations that cause AML, making them more effective than traditional chemotherapy. Some common targeted therapies for AML include:

• FLT3 inhibitors: Providers may use midostaurin (Rydapt) or gilteritinib (Xospata) to treat people who have AML with a FTL3 gene mutation [8].
• IDH inhibitors: Olutasidenib is an oral IDH1 inhibitor indicated for relapsed and/or refractory acute myeloid leukemia with a confirmed IDH1 mutation [5].
• BCL-2 inhibitor: Gilteritinib (Xospata) has also been approved as a BCL-2 inhibitor for the treatment of AML [7].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to chemotherapy and targeted therapy, other treatment options are available for AML. These include:

• Stem cell transplant: This is often used in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapy to treat AML.
• Radiation therapy: In some cases, radiation therapy may be used to treat AML.

New Developments

Researchers have been working on developing new treatments for AML, including novel formulations of traditional chemotherapy-antibody drug conjugates [9]. These new developments hold promise for improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects for patients with AML.

References:

[1] Jun 5, 2024 — Targeted Therapy Drugs for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) [2] Jun 6, 2024 — The main treatment for most people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is chemotherapy [3] Oct 15, 2024 — Treatment options for adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and other medications. [4] The most common induction regimen for AML includes cytarabine and an anthracycline drug [5] Olutasidenib is an oral IDH1 inhibitor indicated for relapsed and/or refractory acute myeloid leukemia with a confirmed IDH1 mutation [6] The most common chemotherapy drug used is cytarabine (Cytosar) [7] AML that comes back after treatment has finished is called relapse, in these situations you might have a targeted drug called gilteritinib [8] Providers may use chemotherapy drugs midostaurin (Rydapt) or gilteritinib (Xospata) to treat people who have AML with a FTL3 gene mutation [9] by EM Stein · 2016 · Cited by 241 — Multiple new drugs are being developed to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), including novel formulations of traditional chemotherapy-antibody drug ...

The differential diagnosis of myeloid leukemia involves considering various other hematologic malignancies that may present with similar symptoms and laboratory findings.

• Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL): This is a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by the accumulation of immature granulocytes in the bone marrow. APL can be distinguished from other forms of AML by its unique clinical and laboratory features, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation and a distinct genetic abnormality involving the PML-RARA fusion gene [3].
• Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): MDS is a group of disorders characterized by the production of abnormal blood cells in the bone marrow. While MDS can sometimes progress to AML, it has distinct clinical and laboratory features that differentiate it from myeloid leukemia.
• Essential Thrombocytosis: This is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by an overproduction of platelets in the bone marrow. Essential thrombocytosis can be distinguished from myeloid leukemia by its unique clinical and laboratory features, such as a marked elevation of platelet count and the presence of megakaryocyte clusters in the bone marrow [2].
• Aplastic Anemia: This is a rare disorder characterized by the failure of the bone marrow to produce blood cells. Aplastic anemia can be distinguished from myeloid leukemia by its unique clinical features, such as pancytopenia and the presence of ringed sideroblasts in the bone marrow [4].

In addition to these specific diagnoses, a thorough differential diagnosis of myeloid leukemia should also consider other conditions that may present with similar symptoms and laboratory findings, such as viral infections (e.g., infectious mononucleosis), vitamin B12 deficiency, and folate deficiency.

References: [1] eMedicine Logo. [2] Oct 16, 2023 — Differential Diagnoses · Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) · Essential Thrombocytosis · Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) · Myeloproliferative Disease. [3] Apr 11, 2019 — The differential diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia includes a variety of other hematologic malignancies, specifically acute promyelocytic ... [4] Aplastic anemia, viral infections such as infectious mononucleosis, vitamin B12 deficiency, and folate deficiency should be considered in the differential ...