AML, or Acute Myeloid Leukemia, is a type of cancer that affects both children and adults. While the disease itself is the same, there are some key differences in how it affects children and adults.
For starters, the types of AML that affect children are usually different than those that affect adults. In children, AML is typically classified as either acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) or mixed lineage acute leukemia (MLL). APML is caused by a chromosomal abnormality that results in a fusion of two genes, while MLL is a more aggressive form of the disease that involves a genetic mutation.
In adults, AML is typically classified as one of the following: acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML-M0), acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AML-M4), acute monocytic leukemia (AML-M5), acute erythroid leukemia (AML-M6) or acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AML-M7). These different types of AML have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Another key difference between AML in children and adults is the prognosis. Children with AML tend to have better outcomes than adults, with five-year survival rates ranging from 40-90%. This is largely due to the fact that children can often respond better to treatment than adults, as their bodies are more resilient and treatments are more tailored to their age.
Finally, the treatment for AML in both adults and children is different. Children are more likely to be treated with chemotherapy, while adults may receive both chemotherapy and targeted therapies, such as biologic agents. The duration of treatment also varies, with children often requiring a longer course of treatment than adults.
Overall, AML in kids and adults is the same disease, but there are some key differences in the types of AML, prognosis, and treatment. It is important to understand these differences in order to provide the best possible treatment for all patients.