Acute Myeloid Leukaemia: Understanding the Disease of the Blood
Among the body fluids blood plays a major role in vital functioning of our body. It carries oxygen, nutrients to all organs and acts as a scavenger by carrying waste products to respective organs for further processing where they are removed from the body. The blood consists of four main components which are red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. These components are produced in the bone marrow which is the spongy tissue inside your bones. The myeloid stem cells originated from the bone marrow further differentiates into white blood cells, red cells, and platelets. When there is abnormal or uncontrolled production of these undifferentiated myeloid cells (called myeloblast) cause fast growing cancer of the bone marrow and blood known as Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. What Causes Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)? AML is caused due to the changes that occur in our genes in the DNA of the Myeloid cells. Yet it is still unknown as to what triggers the change. However, there are few risk factors that increases the risk of AML which includes: How Common Is AML? (Global & Indian Statistics) AML is more common in older adults, with most cases diagnosed after age 65. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 (a global cancer database): What Are the Symptoms of AML? Since AML affects blood cell production, symptoms often include: These symptoms can appear suddenly and worsen quickly, so seeing a doctor early is crucial. How Do Doctors Determine the Severity of AML? (Risk Stratification) Not all AML cases are the same—some are more aggressive than others. Doctors classify AML into low, intermediate, and high-risk categories based on: Why Does Risk Stratification Matter? This personalized approach helps doctors choose the best treatment while avoiding unnecessary side effects. What Are the Treatment Options for AML? 1. Chemotherapy The standard first treatment is “7+3″ chemotherapy—a combination of two drugs given over 7 days. This kills leukaemia cells but also affects healthy cells, causing side effects like hair loss, nausea, and low blood counts. 2. Targeted Therapy Newer drugs specifically attack cancer cells without harming normal cells as much. Examples include: 3. Stem Cell Transplant For high-risk patients, a bone marrow transplant (from a donor) may be the best chance for a cure. However, it is a complex procedure with risks like infections and graft-versus-host disease (where donor cells attack the body). 4. Supportive Care Since AML weakens the immune system, patients often need: 5. Special Case: APL (A Highly Curable Subtype) A rare form of AML called acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is treated differently—with vitamin A-based drugs (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide, leading to cure rates above 90%. Hope for the Future While AML remains a serious disease, advances in genetic testing, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy are improving survival rates. Early diagnosis and access to specialized care are critical—especially in countries like India, where awareness and healthcare access vary widely. If you or a loved one experience persistent fatigue, infections, or unusual bleeding, consult a doctor promptly. With the right treatment, many AML patients can achieve remission and lead fulfilling lives.
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia: Understanding the Disease of the Blood Read More »

