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Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex and aggressive blood cancer that requires rapid diagnosis and timely intervention. It is the most commonly diagnosed form of acute leukemia in adults and is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal white blood cells. These cells accumulate in the bone marrow, disrupting the production of healthy blood cells and leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, easy bruising, and frequent infections.

Treatment for AML typically involves chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and, for eligible patients, allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Treatment decisions are guided by factors such as age, disease subtype, comorbidities, and overall health status. Despite advances in therapy, AML remains challenging to treat, particularly for older adults and those facing social or economic barriers to care.

The care journey for patients with AML often involves complex decision-making and coordination across settings. Multidisciplinary cancer care teams are essential in optimizing outcomes through early and accurate diagnosis—including the use of bone marrow biopsies—comprehensive assessments, personalized treatment planning, and effective communication with patients and caregivers.

This page features curated resources to support cancer care teams in the delivery of high-quality AML care, with a focus on diagnostic evaluation, care coordination, referral pathways, patient-provider communication, and addressing health equity.

FEATURED RESOURCES

Podcasts

Disparities in Accessing Care for AML Patients: Challenges and Solutions
CANCER BUZZ Mini Podcast, Episode 145 | March 25, 2024
Linda Hayward, patient financial advocate at the University of Maryland, Kaufman Cancer Center at Upper Chesapeake Health, discusses the challenges of treatment and strategies to address disparities in access and care for patients with AML.

Clarifying the Role of Maintenance Therapy
CANCER BUZZ Video Podcast, Episode 40 | March 14, 2024
Thomas LeBlanc, MD, hematologic oncologist, associate professor of Medicine, and associate professor in Population Health Sciences at Duke Cancer Institute, discusses the importance of maintenance therapy to extend remission and improve quality of life for patients with AML who are ineligible for transplant.

AML Care Coordination in the Community Setting
CANCER BUZZ Video Podcast, Episode 39 | October 11, 2023
Geoffrey Uy, MD, professor of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Leukemia at Washington University’s School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri and Khoan Tuong Vu, MD, hematologist oncologist at Texas Oncology, discuss best practices and challenges on successful care coordination for patients with AML who are ineligible for transplant.

Critical Conversation Strategies for Patients with AML
CANCER BUZZ Video Podcast, Episode 37 | July 6, 2023
Melissa Kah Poh Loh, MBBCh, BAO, assistant professor of Geriatric Hematology and Oncology at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Wilmot Cancer Institute, shares approaches to personalizing care planning and aligning treatment goals with patient values.

Strategies to Addressing Disparities in Patients with AML
CANCER BUZZ Video Podcast, Episode 35 | June 22, 2023
Keri Maher, DO, director of the Acute Leukemia Program and assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center, discusses how social determinants of health affect access to specialized care and shares strategies to address disparities and optimize treatment for patients with AML who are ineligible for transplant.

Publications

Effective Practices for Achieving and Maintaining Better Outcomes for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

For many patients with AML who do not receive a transplant due to factors such as social determinants of health and age-related comorbidities, alternative approaches are key to maintaining remission and extending survival. This expert-driven guide offers actionable recommendations to support care coordination, patient engagement, and treatment strategies for this population. It includes tools and best practices to help care teams improve outcomes and quality of life.
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Blog Posts

Defining Effective Practices in Quality Care for Patients with AML
February 13, 2024
Discover recommendations for cancer care providers to improve care quality and outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia who do not receive a transplant.

Examining Clinical Research for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
January 30, 2024
Evaluate recommendations for improving clinical trial diversity and access among patients with AML.

Improving Care Delivery for Transplant-Ineligible Patients with AML
October 24, 2023
Learn about key barriers in care coordination and therapy options for patients with AML who are not eligible for transplant and how providers can address them.