Acute Myeloid Leukemia
April 19, 2024
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Guido Marcucci, M.D., Chair, Department of Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, City of Hope Duarte
Acute myeloid leukemia is a type of blood cancer that develops in white blood cells called myeloid cells. This form of leukemia may also be referred to as acute myelogenous leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia and acute non-lymphocytic leukemia.
AML accounts for about 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States, with approximately 62,770 new cases expected to be diagnosed in 2024. Acute myeloid leukemia most often affects people over the age of 45, although it may also affect children.
Most acute myeloid leukemia patients experience general symptoms such as fatigue, fever, loss of appetite and night sweats. More specific symptoms may include bruising and frequent or unexplained bleeding. In some instances, when cancerous blood cells begin to crowd out healthy blood cells, patients may experience anemia, which can show up on blood work. Other signs that doctors might find on blood work in people with AML are low white blood cell counts and a low number of blood platelets.
An accurate diagnosis is crucial to optimal leukemia treatment planning and outcomes. This is especially important for acute myeloid leukemia because this disease has numerous subtypes and factors that can determine specific courses of treatment. If an AML diagnosis is suspected, the care team will perform testing that may include lab tests, bone marrow biopsy and/or imaging tests. After evaluating the results, the care team will discuss the diagnosis and subtype or stage of acute myeloid leukemia.
Acute myeloid leukemia treatment plans are personalized to each patient's AML stage, along with his or her goals and preferences. AML treatment options may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery, radiation therapy and/or a stem cell transplant.
Leukemia Patient Stories
Our Acute Myeloid Leukemia Expertise
City of Hope is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and has been repeatedly named a top hospital for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Our doctors help develop and improve evidence-based acute myeloid leukemia treatment guidelines for patients throughout the country.
Our AML Program Highlights
- Leading-edge clinical trials for AML not available elsewhere, including T cell immunotherapy, mutation-specific AML drugs and novel stem cell transplant regimens
- Total marrow irradiation that targets radiation therapy to bone marrow, where AML originates, while reducing exposure to healthy tissues and organs
- Long-term follow-up program to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve quality of life for AML survivors
- Comprehensive genetic and molecular profiling of each patient's cancer to identify treatments that will produce the best outcomes
- A multidisciplinary team of specialists — including hematologists, medical and radiation oncologists, supportive care experts, and other professionals — who work together to provide coordinated, personalized care for you and your loved ones
- A world-class bone marrow and stem cell transplant program with better-than-expected survival outcomes for over a decade
City of Hope is one of the few facilities designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.
Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care.
