Leukemia (AML, ALL, CML) - Broad Health Network

Leukemia Treatment : AML, ALL, and CML

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The treatment strategies vary significantly depending on the specific subtype. Below is an in-depth look at the treatment approaches for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Treatment

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is an aggressive form of leukemia that requires prompt and intensive treatment.

Standard Treatment Options for AML:

Induction Chemotherapy: The goal is to achieve remission. The “7+3” regimen—cytarabine for 7 days combined with an anthracycline (like daunorubicin or idarubicin) for 3 days—is commonly used.
Consolidation Therapy: Once remission is achieved, high-dose cytarabine or stem cell transplantation is used to prevent relapse.
Targeted Therapy: Patients with genetic mutations like FLT3, IDH1, or IDH2 may receive targeted drugs such as:
- Midostaurin (FLT3 inhibitor)
- Ivosidenib (IDH1 inhibitor)
- Enasidenib (IDH2 inhibitor)
Stem Cell Transplant (Bone Marrow Transplant): Recommended for high-risk or relapsed AML patients to increase long-term survival chances.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Treatment

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) mainly affects children but can also occur in adults. It progresses rapidly and requires a structured, multi-phase treatment plan.

ALL:

Induction Therapy: The first step aimed at killing leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow. Common drugs include:
- Vincristine
- Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone)
- Asparaginase
Consolidation/Intensification: Higher doses or different drugs (like methotrexate or cytarabine) to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
Maintenance Therapy: Low-dose chemotherapy for 2-3 years to prevent relapse.
Targeted Therapy: For patients with the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as:
- Imatinib
- Dasatinib
Immunotherapy:
- CAR-T Cell Therapy: Uses genetically modified T cells to target leukemia.
- Monoclonal Antibodies: Such as blinatumomab or inotuzumab ozogamicin.
Stem Cell Transplantation: Considered for high-risk or relapsed ALL cases.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Treatment

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a slower-growing leukemia often diagnosed in the chronic phase, where targeted therapy is highly effective.

First-Line Treatment for CML:

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs): Revolutionized CML treatment by targeting the abnormal BCR-ABL fusion gene. Common TKIs include:
- Imatinib (Gleevec) – first-generation
- Dasatinib, Nilotinib – second-generation
- Bosutinib, Ponatinib – used for resistant cases
Monitoring Treatment Response: Regular PCR testing to track BCR-ABL levels in blood. A major molecular response (MMR) is the goal.
Stem Cell Transplantation: Rarely needed today, but considered for:
- TKI-resistant disease
- Advanced phases (accelerated or blast crisis)

broad health network Conclusion

The treatment of leukemia—whether AML, ALL, or CML—depends on disease subtype, genetic factors, and individual patient health. Advances in targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation have significantly improved outcomes for many patients contact to know more

For the best results, leukemia treatment should be personalized and guided by a hematologist-oncologist at a specialized cancer center.

Contact to know the best hematologist-oncologist

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