Acute monocytic leukaemia
What is Acute Monocytic Leukaemia ?
Acute Monocytic Leukaemia (AML) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many immature monocytes, a type of white blood cell. It is the second most common type of acute leukemias in children, and it is also seen in adults. It is an aggressive form of cancer and needs to be treated promptly.
AML is caused by multiple genetic mutations, which cause the bone marrow to stop producing healthy blood cells and instead, start producing immature monocytes. These cells do not mature and are unable to work normally. This can lead to a build-up of monocytes in the blood, which can affect the ability of the bone marrow to produce other types of blood cells.
Signs and Symptoms of Acute Monocytic Leukaemia
The most common signs and symptoms of AML include:
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Bruising and/or bleeding easily
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, or liver
- Weight loss
Treatment of Acute Monocytic Leukaemia
AML is categorized as either standard- or high-risk. Factors such as age and overall fitness help to determine the type of treatment. Treatment may include a combination of chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, and/or radiation. Chemotherapy is used to destroy the cancer cells and can include drugs such as cytarabine, daunomycin, and mitoxantrone. Radiation may also be used to destroy cancer cells in certain areas.
A stem cell transplant may be recommended if the cancer does not respond to chemotherapy or if it recurs. This procedure involves injecting healthy stem cells into the patient, which have the ability to regenerate healthy bone marrow.
Outlook for those with Acute Monocytic Leukaemia
The prognosis for AML depends on several factors, such as age, overall health, and the type of treatment. Patients who are treated promptly and aggressively have the best outcome. However, due to the aggressive nature of AML, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur.