About Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia treatment in Chicago. Sandler Cancer Treatment Centers in Chicago and Skokie, IL

Steven A. Sandler, M.D.
Board-Certified in
Hematology & Oncology

Telephone Numbers
Office: (847) 933-0875
Fax: (847) 933-0878
Answering Service: (773) 594-7340

Skokie Office
9669 Kenton, Suite 510
Skokie, IL 60076
Map and directions

Chicago Office
7447 W. Talcott Ave., Suite 318
Chicago, IL 60631
Map and directions

Call us at 847-933-0875 or send Dr. Sandler a message via the form below. Please note that this form is for non-emergencies only.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and Treatment

About Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, or AML, is a fast-growing disease that starts with a change to a single cell in the bone marrow. Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, where they start out as myeloid cells, or blasts. In AML, the blasts never mature to red or white blood cells. These abnormal, or leukemic cells, take over the bone marrow and blood, making it impossible for the body to produce healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Also called acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, and ANLL.

Signs and symptoms of AML may include:

Fever and frequent infection
Anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath, and feeling weak
Bruising for no reason and tiny red spots under the skin
Pain in the bones and joints

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Treatment

Acute myelogenous leukemia is a highly treatable disease and treatment must start as soon as possible due to its aggressiveness. Unfortunately, there is also a significant incidence of relapse. Treatment options include:

Chemotherapy is a combination of medications that are given to destroy the cancer cells and prevent the growth of new cancer cells. Treatment usually starts with one week of induction chemotherapy, followed by three or more weeks to recover from treatment. This can be followed by a second phase of treatment, consolidation therapy, to prevent relapse.
Bone marrow or cord blood transplant
Biological or Immunological Therapy

There is certainly a role for stem cell transplants in younger patients. However, since the average age of AML patients are 65 or older, stem cell transplants are not a treatment option. At Sandler Cancer Treatment Centers we have many patients who have been cured with chemotherapy that is very well tolerated.