General treatment information

This section starts with general comments about types of treatments used for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This is followed by a discussion of the typical treatment approach for AML. The treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is different from other subtypes, and is discussed separately.

As noted earlier, adult AML is not a single disease. It is really a group of related diseases, and patients with different subtypes of AML vary in their outlook and response to treatment. Treatment options for each patient are based on the subtype and lab tests of the leukemia cells, as well as certain other prognostic features (described in the section called "How is acute myeloid leukemia classified?").

Several types of treatment may be used in people with AML. The main treatment for AML is chemotherapy. Surgery and radiation therapy may be used in special circumstances.

In most cases AML can progress rapidly, so it is important to start treatment as soon as possible after the diagnosis is made.