Treatment Options for Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia
Induction Therapy
Induction therapy is the first stage of treatment for people with AMML. This procedure is often a part of the entire treatment plan, which can be followed by radiation or chemotherapy. It typically involves the combination of medications, including cytarabine given two times a day in 10 days and anthracycline for 3 days. After this period, the patients may receive an anti-CD33 antibody called gemtuzumab ozogamicin. The main objective is to achieve remission. If the symptoms do not improve, induction therapy may be implemented repeatedly or another chemotherapy can be suggested. [5]
Chemotherapy
In chemotherapy, powerful chemicals are used to get rid of fast-growing cancerous cells in the body. Many drugs are available for this procedure. The choice can vary, depending on the types of cancer, age, and health condition of the patients. People with weakened immune systems and the elderly might not be able to endure the intensive effects of chemotherapy. Although it is an effective treatment, this option may also pose some risks. Common side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss, bleeding, easy bruising, constipation, pain, mouth sores, or fever. [6]
