AML M2 Treatment | Acute Myelogenous Leukemia | AML Symptoms

Question: My mother was suffering from AML-M2 last year and underwent chemo with cytarabine and dunorobin. After first chemo she was in complete remission and further underwent three cycles of consolidation with high dose of cytarabine (3g/body surface area). She is now in CR from last one year and is in constant touch with doctors and is leading a good normal life. I have observed a decrease in her platelet count from 165000 to 100000 in the last 3-4 months. Rest everything is normal i.e. HB 13.5, TLC DLC perfectly normal.


Kindly guide how to improve platelet counts. Bone Marrow shows normal results but low platelets.

Answer:

AML is acute myelogenous leukemia.
AML-M2 is a sub division in which the myeloblastic cells are mature.

AML is a potentially curable disease. The aim of the treatment is to restore the bone marrow to normal and to restore the patient to a normal state of health. This phase is called the complete remission phase (CR).

AML Symptoms

1.    Tiredness, weakness, breathless
2.    Frequent infections
3.    Easy bruising or bleeding or purpura (red spots)
4.    Lymph node enlargement.

What is your mother’s age?
Is she showing any of the above features after the treatment and during the remission phase?

AML Treatment

  • Investigations need to be done often to keep a regular check.
  • Her Hb level is fine (13.5), normal being 11.5-15.5.
  • Her platelet count might have dropped, but its still within normal values. Hers is 165, normal being 150-400.
  • Anemia (if occurring), ought to be corrected through the administration of blood. Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), should be corrected through platelet administration.
  • Ward off infections.
  • What you have to watch out for is a respiratory failure, which is a complication.
  • Good supportive care to manage the blood count is as crucial as special combinations of drugs used.
  • Constant vigilance and regular investigations are necessary, and you must report if any of the above mentioned features come up.