Childhood AML (Cont.)

Current Treatment for Childhood AML

Different types of treatment are available for patients with childhood AML. Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some treatments are being tested in clinical trials.
 
Current childhood AML treatment options include:
 
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy with stem cell transplant.
 
There are also two phases of treatment used for childhood AML: induction therapy and consolidation/intensification therapy. Choosing the most appropriate treatment for childhood AML is a decision that ideally involves the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.
 
(Click Childhood AML Treatment for more information about the treatment for childhood AML.)
 

The Prognosis for Childhood AML

The prognosis and treatment options for childhood AML will depend on:
 
  • The patient's age, general health, and number of white blood cells in the blood at diagnosis.
  • Whether the AML was caused by previous anticancer treatment.
  • The subtype of AML.
  • Whether AML has spread to the central nervous system or to other parts of the body.
  • How well the leukemia responds to initial treatment.
  • Whether the childhood AML is untreated or has recurred (come back) after being treated.
  • Whether the child has Down syndrome. Most children with AML and Down syndrome can be cured of their leukemia.
 

Childhood AML: Summary

Key information about childhood AML includes the following:
 
  • Childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells
 
  • There are different subtypes of childhood AML
 
  • Exposure to radiation and a history of myelodysplastic syndrome or aplastic anemia may affect the risk of developing childhood AML
 
  • Possible signs of childhood AML include fever, feeling tired, and easy bleeding or bruising
 
  • Tests that examine the blood and bone marrow are used to detect and diagnose childhood AML
 
  • Certain factors affect prognosis and treatment options for childhood AML
 
 
(Click Acute Myeloid Leukemia Statistics for a listing of AML statistics.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD