Strength in numbers
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that starts in bone marrow, and affects the development of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. There are many different subtypes of AML, which are categorized and treated based on genetic mutations and other features. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is another type of blood cancer that starts in bone marrow, primarily affecting white blood cells.1,2
In adults, AML is the most common acute leukemia worldwide3
AML accounts for about 23% of the world’s leukemia cases per year3
There are about 120,000 new cases of AML per year globally4
In children and young adults under 20 years old, AML makes up 74% of acute leukemia cases5
During this time, arming yourself with information about your disease can be empowering. National cancer organizations and patient advocacy groups can provide a supportive community to help you get started. Their aim is to help people live longer, healthier lives by advancing research, raising awareness, and providing emotional and financial support to patients and their families.
Get in-depth information on AML and ALL, treatment costs and insurance coverage, finding support groups, and ways to help advance cancer research.
Consult comprehensive, up-to-date guidelines that detail the sequential management decisions and interventions that currently apply to AML and ALL.
Connect with the blood cancer community, along with other patients and caregivers through chats, support groups, and peer-to-peer programs, or speak with a specialist to get personalized disease and treatment information.
ALAN is a global network of patient alliances dedicated to fostering patient advocacy within acute leukemias.
A number of genetic factors could be driving, or contributing to, your particular acute leukemia. Understanding which genes are involved in your cancer is important, because it can help your doctor decide on the treatment path that’s best for you.
Certain genetic alterations—including mutations and rearrangements—are known to “drive” acute leukemia, and are often used to predict outcomes and guide treatment selections. Some genetic alterations have targeted therapies indicated for patients with acute leukemia, while others are being studied in clinical trials.
According to NCCN—an alliance of cancer centers that are considered the leading authority in how cancer is managed—AML and ALL care can include any one or a combination of:
STANDARD TREATMENT OF MANY LEUKEMIAS GENERALLY OCCURS IN PHASES14
Often the treatment of acute leukemia depends less on how far the disease has advanced than on the patient’s age and overall health.
Kill most of the leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow and restore normal blood cell production; to go into remission
For people in remission following induction therapy to destroy any remaining leukemia in the body
Prevent the leukemia from returning
When leukemia returns after a period of remission (relapses), the goal of treatment is to achieve remission again
*For people who meet certain criteria depending on their overall physical health.
†Not everyone will receive maintenance therapy. It may be recommended depending on your type of disease, consolidation, and risk of relapse.
It’s important to advocate for your care and find the right tools and information for your unique needs. Many people feel empowered when they can play an active role in their treatment plan. To help ensure that you get care that’s suited to you, consider asking your doctor the following questions, and having someone with you to help listen and take notes:
Have I had any tests that show the genetic factors behind my cancer? If so, when and how often should testing occur?
What types of genetic tests are available for my type of cancer? Who administers these tests, and how are they performed?
Are there any targeted treatments available or in clinical trials that target these genetic factors?
Are there any clinical trials that I would be eligible for that we should consider?
View a variety of printable question guides from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
These are just a few suggestions to get you started. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask any questions you have, and discuss your care plan with your cancer care team.