The most fatal form of leukemia is acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This type of leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, where immature white blood cells known as myeloid blast cells are overproduced and crowd out healthy cells. It is more likely to affect adults than children, and is particularly aggressive, with a five-year survival rate of only 25%.
AML is characterized by a rapid progression, as it can spread quickly to other organs and tissues, and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, fever, weight loss, night sweats, shortness of breath, and more. It is also associated with a number of other health complications, such as a higher risk of infection, increased risk of bleeding, and higher risk of developing other types of cancer.
Treatment options for AML include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy. While chemotherapy is the most commonly used form of treatment, it can have serious side effects, such as nausea, hair loss, and damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs. Stem cell transplants may be recommended in some cases, but the procedure carries its own risks, including graft-versus-host disease, in which the transplanted stem cells attack the patient’s body.
The outlook for AML is generally poor, with only 25% of patients surviving five years after diagnosis. Early detection and prompt treatment are essential for the best chance of survival.