Chronic Myeloid Leukemia vs. Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) are both types of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Both CML and AML can be serious, but they differ in terms of their progression, treatment options, and outlook.
Progression
CML is typically a slower-progressing disease than AML. It is usually diagnosed at an earlier stage and progresses at a slower rate, giving patients more time to seek treatment.
AML, on the other hand, is usually diagnosed at a later stage and progresses more quickly than CML. As a result, treatment must be started as soon as possible to have the best chance of success.
Treatment Options
CML is usually treated with a targeted therapy called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). These drugs work by blocking the abnormal protein that causes CML, allowing the body to better fight the cancer.
AML is usually treated with chemotherapy, which is a type of drug that kills rapidly growing cells, such as cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as bone marrow transplants.
Outlook
The outlook for CML is generally better than for AML. In many cases, CML can be managed with TKIs and patients can live a relatively normal life.
The outlook for AML is more variable. The success of treatment depends on the type of AML, how advanced it is, and the patient's overall health. In some cases, AML can be cured with chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant. In other cases, the cancer may return or progress despite treatment.