Stem Cell Transplant
In this treatment, stem cells from the bone marrow are transplanted to the patients from a matching donor, such as their children, parents, or siblings. In some cases, stem cells would be drawn from matched unrelated donors. The procedure helps replace damaged cells during chemotherapy with healthy ones. Studies have shown that stem cell transplant may be more effective than chemotherapy in lowering the risk of leukemia recurrence. However, possibly serious complications would occur, such as the increased risk of infections and graft versus host disease. Therefore, this treatment option tends to only be suggested for people with a high risk of AMML relapse. [7]
Supportive Treatment
Supportive treatment is available to all people with AMML. The key objective is to treat any complications or symptoms that occur after the main treatment options. This may help the patients feel more comfortable. Common support treatments include the administration of hydroxycarbamide and platelet or blood transfusions. During induction chemotherapy, powerful drugs may cause damage to the healthy cells in the body. Therefore, some patients would also need blood product transfusions as well as antibiotics. [8]
