Introduction
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. It is a serious and life-threatening disease that usually progresses rapidly. AML is typically staged into three categories depending on the severity of the condition. The stages are: induction, consolidation, and maintenance. In this article, we will discuss the three stages of AML leukemia and how they are treated.
Induction
The induction stage is the first stage of AML leukemia treatment. During this stage, the goal is to kill as many cancer cells as possible. This is done by administering chemotherapy, usually as an outpatient procedure. The chemotherapy may also be combined with radiation therapy and/or immunotherapy. The induction stage typically lasts four to six weeks and is the most aggressive part of the treatment.
Consolidation
The consolidation stage is the second stage of AML leukemia treatment. During this stage, the goal is to prevent the cancer from coming back. This is done by administering chemotherapy, usually as an outpatient procedure. The chemotherapy may also be combined with radiation therapy and/or immunotherapy. The consolidation stage typically lasts four to six weeks and is less aggressive than the induction stage.
Maintenance
The maintenance stage is the final stage of AML leukemia treatment. During this stage, the goal is to keep the cancer from coming back. This is done by administering chemotherapy, usually as an outpatient procedure. The chemotherapy may also be combined with radiation therapy and/or immunotherapy. The maintenance stage typically lasts six to twelve months and is the least aggressive part of the treatment.
Conclusion
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. It is a serious and life-threatening disease that usually progresses rapidly and is typically staged into three categories depending on the severity of the condition. The stages are: induction, consolidation, and maintenance. Each stage is treated differently and with different types of treatments. It is important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for your particular situation.