Leukemia AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and the most common acute leukemia in adults. Treatment decisions often have to be made within days, guided by your age, overall health and the genetic changes in your leukemia cells. Those genetic results now open the door to targeted medicines. Here is how leukemia AML is diagnosed and treated, and how a specialist consultation can help.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Muhammad Raza Naqvi, MD, USA board-certified hematologist-oncologist.

What is leukemia AML?

In AML, the bone marrow makes large numbers of immature white blood cells called myeloblasts. They crowd out healthy cells, so the body runs short of red cells, normal white cells and platelets.

Symptoms

• Tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath (from anemia)

• Frequent or serious infections and fever

• Easy bruising, nosebleeds or bleeding gums (from low platelets)

• Bone pain or swollen gums in some people

How AML is diagnosed

Diagnosis needs a blood test and a bone marrow biopsy. The sample is tested for chromosome changes (cytogenetics), gene mutations such as FLT3, NPM1, IDH1, IDH2 and TP53, and flow cytometry to confirm the leukemia type. These results place your AML in a risk group (favorable, intermediate or adverse), which guides treatment.

Leukemia AML treatment options

• Intensive chemotherapy ("7+3" induction), then consolidation: for fit adults.

• FLT3 inhibitors (midostaurin or quizartinib) added to chemotherapy: for AML with a FLT3 mutation.

• Venetoclax with azacitidine or decitabine: for older adults or those who can't have intensive chemotherapy.

• IDH inhibitors (ivosidenib, enasidenib) and menin inhibitors: for AML with matching gene changes, often after relapse.

• Allogeneic stem cell transplant: for intermediate- or high-risk AML in remission.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a special type of AML, is treated differently and has very high cure rates.

Why a second opinion matters in AML

Genetic results arrive over days to weeks and can change the best plan. A second look confirms your risk group, checks that all key mutations were tested, and helps you decide about a stem cell transplant.

How your 1-hour consultation works

• Book online and complete a short intake form.

• Upload your pathology, scan reports and lab results.

• Dr. Naqvi reviews your records before the visit.

• Meet by secure video for a full hour and leave with clear next steps and a written summary for your care team.

Frequently asked questions

Is AML curable?

Yes, in many cases, especially in younger patients and favorable-risk AML. Outcomes depend strongly on genetics and age.

How fast does AML treatment start?

Usually within days of diagnosis. Some genetic results can be fast-tracked to guide the first treatment.

Can I get a second opinion during treatment?

Yes. A video consultation won't delay your care.