AML Treatment Side Effects: What to Expect, How to Manage – Healthline

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood and bone marrow cancer. It affects the ability of your bone marrow to produce normal-functioning white blood cells (WBCs). The risk of this type of cancer increases with age, and is more common in older adults.

If you have AML, your bone marrow produces an abnormal amount of WBCs that are immature and dont function properly. These abnormal WBCs eventually build up and replace healthy cells.

The early symptoms of AML can be similar to the flu and may include fever, fatigue, and bone pain.

There are a handful of treatments available for AML, all of which carry a risk of short- and long-term side effects. This article will look at at the side effects associated with AML treatment and how to manage them.

AML treatment typically has two phases. The first phase involves destroying active leukemia cells, while the second phase involves keeping AML in remission.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), there are five main treatments available for AML:

When standard treatments for AML arent successful, clinical trials are another treatment option.

All cancer treatments carry a risk of side effects. With AML treatment, there are many possible side effects.

The range and severity of your side effects will depend on the type of treatment. In addition, if you receive chemotherapy, side effects will depend on the type of chemotherapy drug you receive.

Other factors that can affect your side effects include your age, sex, and overall health.

With that said, side effects of AML treatment can be intense, according to a 2019 survey of 1,182 AML survivors.

The survey results indicated that:

The authors of the study concluded that side effects of treatment for AML constitute a substantial burden for survivors.

Short-term side effects occur at the start of treatment. Theyre temporary, and usually only last for the duration of the therapy itself.

According to the 2019 survey cited above, the most common and severe short-term side effects of AML treatment included hair loss, experienced by 78% of participants, and fatigue, experienced by 33% of participants.

Other possible short-term side effects of AML treatment include:

Side effects of AML treatment can continue or develop after the treatment is finished. Some possible long-term side effects of AML treatment include:

Its not clear how many AML survivors experience long-term and/or late effects of treatment. In addition, the risks may be greater for certain groups.

For example, a 2021 study of 1,168 adolescent survivors of AML found that 26% experienced endocrine problems later in life, including hypothyroidism, diabetes, and fertility issues.

Cardiovascular problems, such as hypertension and heart diseases, were also common among young adult survivors, affecting around 19%. About 7% of adolescent survivors experienced long-term respiratory issues.

Among adult survivors of AML, weakness and fatigue are common long-term symptoms. A 2018 study followed up with adult AML survivors at 1, 2, and 3 years. The authors reported that after 3 years, 23% still experienced fatigue.

In addition, among older adults with AML, many didnt fully recover their physical strength and functioning after 3 years.

AML is an aggressive cancer that requires intensive treatment. The side effects can be uncomfortable and are likely to temporarily impact your quality of life.

In the past several years, there have been substantial improvements in treatment outcomes. According to the NCI, between 60% and 70% of adults with AML go into remission after appropriate treatment.

In addition, over 25% of adults with AML can expect to survive for 3 or more years after their initial diagnosis.

Treatments for AML include chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplants. Targeted therapies and other drug therapies are also available.

All of these treatments can lead to side effects, some of which can persist in the long term. Some common side effects include hair loss, fatigue, and fertility issues.

Your doctor can help you understand what to expect with treatment, including potential side effects. Remember that you have options.

Continue reading here:
AML Treatment Side Effects: What to Expect, How to Manage - Healthline