What is Acute Myeloid Leukaemia?
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that develops in the bone marrow, where new blood cells are made. In AML, immature myeloid cells multiply too quickly and do not develop into healthy blood cells. This affects the production of normal red cells, white cells and platelets, which can lead to tiredness, bruising, infections or breathlessness.
AML is less common in children than ALL and can occur at any age. It usually develops quickly, so treatment often begins soon after diagnosis. Although AML is more intensive to treat, children generally respond well to the treatment plans used today.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- unusual tiredness or pallor
- bruising easily or bleeding more than expected
- frequent infections or fevers
- bone pain
- breathlessness
- tummy swelling
- loss of appetite or weight loss
These symptoms can also be caused by many other common childhood illnesses and do not necessarily mean cancer.
How is it Diagnosed?
If AML is suspected, your child will be referred urgently to a specialist children’s cancer centre. Tests may include:
- blood tests – to check blood counts and look for abnormal cells
- bone marrow test – to confirm AML and identify the exact subtype
- genetic and molecular tests – to understand how the AML is behaving
- scans such as ultrasound or X-rays – to build a full picture of your child’s health
These results help the team plan the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for AML is usually shorter but more intensive than treatment for ALL. Chemotherapy is given in cycles, often requiring hospital stays so doctors can closely monitor blood counts and manage side effects. Children are placed into a treatment group based on factors such as their AML subtype, genetic features and how well the cancer responds early on.
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Induction Therapy
The first stage of treatment, designed to remove as many AML cells as possible from the bone marrow. This involves strong chemotherapy medicines given in hospital, with supportive care to manage side effects. -
Consolidation / Intensification
Once remission is achieved, further cycles of chemotherapy are given to destroy any remaining leukaemia cells. This phase is essential to reduce the risk of relapse and often involves different combinations of medicines. -
High-Dose Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant
Some children may be recommended a stem cell transplant, particularly if the AML is high-risk, does not respond fully to early treatment or comes back after initial therapy. This involves high-dose chemotherapy followed by healthy stem cells to help the bone marrow recover.
Supportive Care
Throughout treatment, your child may receive:
- antibiotics or antifungals to prevent infections
- blood or platelet transfusions
- medicines for sickness, appetite or pain
- nutritional support
- physiotherapy, play therapy or psychological support
- help with school and daily routines
Supportive care is an important part of AML treatment and helps keep children well during intensive therapy.
Monitoring Response
Blood tests, bone marrow tests and molecular monitoring are used throughout treatment to assess how the AML is responding. Treatment may be adapted based on these results.
Outlook & Support
Many children with AML respond well to treatment and go on to live full, healthy lives. Survival rates continue to improve as treatments become more targeted and supportive care advances.
During treatment your child will be cared for by a specialist children’s cancer team. Help is available with managing side effects, school, emotional wellbeing and practical concerns.
Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund will support your whole family from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
Key Facts
- Common Age: Can occur at any age in childhood
- Survival: Around 65–75% of children survive long term
- How common? AML makes up around 15–20% of childhood leukaemias
