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What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

AML stands for Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a blood cancer that begins in the blood and the source of the blood, bone marrow, which deals with myeloid cells responsible for the generation of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. With acute myeloid leukaemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal myeloblasts, immature white blood cells that do not mature properly, thus crowding normal cells. Therefore, a variety of symptoms and complications arise.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

  • Preventing the Disease Progression: AML is an aggressive cancer that can quickly progress if active treatment is not initiated, often leading to severe complications, organ dysfunctions, and even death. However, passive management helps slow down the progression of the disease and thus increases the chances of survival.
  • Encourage Treatment Response: AML's response to any treatment is always better when therapy is given early. The earlier the therapy is initiated, the higher the chance of inducing remission and preventing relapse; failure to treat in time translates into poorer prognoses and decreased effectiveness of treatment.
  • Complications are obviated: Complications arise in AML due to the destruction of blood cells when the cells in the bone marrow get wiped out. Such complications include infections, bleeding, and anemia. After treating AML at its earliest possible stage, resolving the issues of these complications is much more favorable, with an increased chance of avoiding any complications that can be life-threatening.
  • Good long-term prognosis: If treatment is started earlier, there is a better chance of long-term survival. Although AML remains hard to cure, if treatment is given aggressively after an early diagnosis, remission can be achieved. The patient diagnosed early stands a greater chance of favorable response to chemotherapy and stem cell transplant regimens.
  • Quality of life: Early start of management can help in controlling a patient's symptoms like fatigue, pain, and infections, actually benefiting his quality of life during treatment. A delay can cause aggravation of these symptoms and disturb his daily living activities.

What are the Common Symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

  • Fatigue and Weakness
  • Pale Skin
  • Frequent Infections or Fever
  • Easy Bruising or Bleeding
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes
  • Bone or Joint Pain
  • Loss of Appetite or Unexplained Weight Loss
  • Shortness of Breath or Dizziness
  • Abdominal Pain or Fullness

Causes and Risk Factors of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Causes

  • Genetic Mutations
  • Chromosomal Abnormalities
  • Infections
  • Immune System Disorders
  • Exposure to Radiation or Chemicals

Risk Factors:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Family History
  • Previous Cancer Treatment
  • Environmental Exposures
  • Genetic Syndromes

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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in India

The medical treatment of carcinoid tumours in India has adopted the newest research and technologies to meet worldwide clinical standards and healthcare capabilities.

  • Targeted Therapies: Novel drugs developed by targeting genetic mutations have improved treatment outcomes for AML patients, especially in the most severe cases.
  • Immunotherapy: Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as CAR-T cell therapy that have not been previously applied will be harnessed in clinical trials in India as an arm towards developing new chemotherapy treatment for unimproved AML patients.
  • Stem Cell Transplantation: There has been progress in HLA matching, graft-versus-host clinical outcome, and immune suppressive therapy, which contributed to successful rates of stem cell transplantation in this region, hence improving outcomes of high-risk or relapsed AML patients in India.
  • Personalised Medicine and Diagnostics: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and liquid biopsy would make it more personalised for treatment in identifying genetic mutations for relapse and precisely monitoring treatment response.
  • Integration of Clinical Trials with AI: India is a part of international clinical trials primarily conducted for the best available therapies. Artificially intelligent and data analytic systems optimise treatment regimens and predict patients' disease outcomes for more personalised care for AML patients.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Prevention Tip:

  • Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals: Reducing exposure to toxic substances such as benzene (produced by petrochemical industries) and cigarette smoke may reduce the likelihood of developing AML. Provide protective equipment in high-risk workplaces so that exposure is reduced.
  • Limiting Exposure to Radiation: There are exposures which cannot be avoided, such as treatment with radiation from a pre-existing cancer diagnosis. Again, unnecessary exposure to X-rays and CT scans should be kept at a minimum as this may cause genetic mutations that might lead to leukemia in the future.
  • Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Adopting healthy meal plans, exercising, and not smoking will significantly reduce the risk of developing AML. A strong immune system is crucial in fighting infections and diseases, including leukemia.
  • Genetic Counseling Services for High-Risk Individuals: Genetic counseling is an option to consider if there is a family history of leukemia or inherited conditions like Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, or Bloom syndrome. If there is, screening and early detection can solve the issues.
  • Regular Health Check-Ups: These regular health check-ups will lead to early diagnosis of blood disorders. Early diagnosis of diseases such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) will ensure early treatment and reduce the chances of developing AML.

Treatment options for Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

The medical treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) requires evaluating the patient's severity and medical condition. The following are the treatment options:

Chemotherapy: The induction chemotherapy regimen typically begins when a patient is given cytarabine and idarubicin. There will then be consolidation chemotherapy offered to the affected individual to get rid of residual cells and minimise the risk of relapse.


Cost Start From USD 600 - USD 700Explore Options

Stem Cell Transplantation : Bone marrow transplants (also known as stem cell transplants) offer the possibility of a cure for some patients with high-risk or relapsed forms of acute myeloid leukemia, replacing diseased marrow with healthy cells, thus improving long-term survival chances.


Cost Start From USD 18000 - USD 36000Explore Options

Targeted Therapy : Specific targeted drugs, such as midostaurin and venetoclax, have been used for treating specific genetic mutations in the cells of patients with AML to enhance treatment benefits, particularly for those who have FLT3 or BCL-2 mutations.


Cost Start From USD 8000 - USD 12000Explore Options

Immunotherapy : Emerging therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) and CAR-T cell therapy have shown promise in using the immune system against leukemia cells for high-risk patients.


Cost Start From USD 3000 - USD 5000Explore Options

CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) Therapy : AML is one of the most challenging conditions associated with CAR-T therapy because the antigens are not well-defined and are difficult to target. In any case, selected groups are specific for targets on the AML cell.


Cost Start From USD 80000 - USD 120000Explore Options

These are the standard diagnostic methods for diagnosing Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML):

  • Imaging Studies:
    • CT scans or X-rays are occasionally performed if AML spreads from the bone marrow to lymph nodes or organs like the spleen or liver. Hence, they are not routinely applied for the diagnosis at first.
  • Blood Tests:
    • Complete Blood Count (CBC): The initial test for AML diagnosis. It may display low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet count. It may also show abnormal blasts, that is, immature cells in the blood.
    • Peripheral Blood Smear: The blood smear under a microscope identifies the abnormality in white blood cells (blasts) characteristic of AML.
  • Bone Marrow Biopsy:
    • Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. A needle is inserted through the skin into the bone (usually the hip) to extract bone marrow for analysis to look for the leukemia cells and the percentage of blasts.
  • Cytogenetic Testing: Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and karyotyping allow detecting chromosomal abnormalities such as translocations or deletions, which may indicate specific subtypes of AML. These abnormalities will influence a treatment decision and a prognosis.
  • Molecular Genetic Testing: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows the simultaneous analysis of multiple gene mutations affecting AML treatment.

MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to support patients in India. Additional services are as per the patient's requirement. These services include:

  • Physical Rehabilitation: Post-treatment exercise programs improve strength, mobility, and endurance of the patients, especially after chemotherapy or stem cell transplant. Physical therapy is paramount in muscle function improvement and overall physical recovery.
  • Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists help patients restore their daily functioning activities, such as dressing and cooking. It also provides cognitive rehabilitation to help with memory and concentration issues experienced due to treatment.
  • Psychological Support: Counseling for mental health assists patients in coping with emotional challenges like anxiety and depression during and after treatment. It provides shared-experience support groups as emotionally encouraging spaces.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: The nutritionist assists patients with AML who are experiencing problems with losing weight due to lack of appetite and malnutrition correction. Nutritional counseling will ensure a balanced diet; supplements can be advised to boost energy and immunity.
  • Pain and Fatigue Management: Pain treatment provides symptom control through medication or alternative means against pain caused by treatment. Features of chronic fatigue will be treated by conserving energy and regular rest to recuperate.

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Hospitals for Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in India

American Oncology Institute: Top Doctors, and Reviews
American Oncology Institute

Hyderabad, India

American Oncology Institute located in Hyderabad, India is accredited by AAAHC. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Equipped with the most advanced technology
  • TruebeamStx + Calypso combination used for precise radiation therapy
  • Backed by advanced equipment like 4D PET CT Imaging, Luminous Acupulse DUO laser, Rapid Arc, MRI, Brachytherapy, Digital Mammography 
  • Radiation oncology techniques- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, Rapid Arc, Image-Guided Radiation Therapy,
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
  • All types of patient accommodation available which provide a comfortable stay to the patients & relatives.
  • Fully equipped ICUs with the latest monitoring & therapeutic facilities for critically ill patients
  • In house 24/7 blood bank for medical oncology service
  • Well-designed patient rooms, therapy rooms OTs, consultation chambers, ICUs, walkways, lounges, parking
  • Digital Breast Tomosynthesis is the breast imaging digital technology with 3D imaging
  • Dedicated leukemia wing caters to the needs of the patients who are at a high risk of developing an infection
  • State-of-the art PET CT, GE Discovery IQ 3 Ring16 PET with LightBurst technology
  • Individual cabins for patients needing chemotherapy
  • Friendly facility for differently-abled
  • Exclusive outpatient consulting section
  • Airport pick-up & drop
  • Accommodation
  • Currency exchange
  • The estimated cost of treatment
  • Language interpreters
  • Payment
  • Medical opinion
  • Additional services
  • Relationship manager
  • Meals
  • 24/7 Personal nurses*
  • Visa assistance
The Madras Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology: Top Doctors, and Reviews
The Madras Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology

Chennai, India

MIOT started its journey with only 70 beds and focusing on Orthopedics and Trauma care. However, we grew into a multi-specialty hospital with time. MIOT is now a 1000-bedded hospital and can offer an extensive range of services across 63 specialties. The state of art laboratory of our hospital is ranked 8th internationally. We have 21 super-specialty operation theaters equipped with cutting-edge technology to help our doctors with complex procedures.

We take great care to make our patient rooms comfortable enough. The patient rooms get plenty of fresh air as well as natural light. The soothing views from the rooms do not let the patients feel cut off from the outside world. We use separate entrances for emergency patients, out-patients, in-patients, and their attendants. We put our patients’ safety first which is why we use a superior air system to ensure a near-zero infection healthy environment.

Apart from that, MIOT’s 24 hours blood bank provides all kinds of blood work related services which include blood collection to component separation. This state-of-art blood bank alone handles more than 30,000 units of blood over the course of a year. Every month around 600 blood transfusions are managed by this blood bank.

MIOT’s SIGNA Pioneer 3T MRI machine is made with noise reduction technology. This silent MRI machine can deliver superior quality neuroimages without wasting any time. The department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences can give tough competition to any international hospital with its advanced technology and accuracy.

The PET CT service at MIOT International is the first of its kind in South India enabling better and more accurate diagnosis than earlier. The superior diagnosis is also possible for the two digital cath labs at MIOT Heart Revive center.

We also have a physiotherapy team where a team of highly efficient physiotherapists deals with the mobility and functional disability issues of our patients. They listen to the patients carefully to identify the root of the pain and use therapeutic exercises to reduce their pain.

The CCU of MIOT is something to be proud of. The specially-trained staff of this unit is dedicated to ensuring top-quality medical support to serious patients. This unit along with the MIOT International Laboratory is the backbone of our facility.

Furthermore, what makes MIOT unique is our Telemedicine service. In the new normal, we are trying everything to reach our patients. Our one of its kind Telemedicine service connects our patients to our 250 full-time doctors over email, phone, chat and video consultations.

Sanar International Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Sanar International Hospital

Gurugram, India

Sanar International Hospital is a multispeciality hospital based on Golf Course Road in Gurugram, a part of Delhi NCR. It was founded in 2018 and houses one of the most comprehensive and advanced surgical care specialties. This 150-bedded facility is committed to providing the best patient experiences and healthcare services is the core of the hospital’s mission. Staffed by a group of visionary and competent medical professionals who are well-versed in their fields and eminent for their empathy and understanding, Sanar International Hospital provides optimal care to its patients, making it a popular

Specialties in the Hospital such as Heart, Bone, and Joint neurosciences, Cancer, Kidney and Liver Transplant, and other successful procedures along with experienced medical professionals have made a mark for themselves among domestic patients and international patients who come to India to have the finest healthcare services. It follows strict international practices and believes that the centricity of the patient is essential for providing high-quality care through world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities. The technologies offered by the Hospital include Digital X-rays, MRI, CT, Ultrasound, transfusion medicine, pharmacy, laboratory services, 24 hrs emergency and ambulance services.

It offers more than 20 plus specialties such as General Medicine, Anesthesiology, Cardiac Sciences, Ophthalmology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Orthopedics, General Surgery & Surgical, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hepato Biliary Surgery, Pediatrics, Liver Transplantation, and Critical Care Medicine. The Hospital has a highly skilled medical staff of neuro-anesthetists, neurologists, specialized neurocritical care experts, neurosurgeons neuropsychologists, and neuropsychiatrists. There are specific centers for the treatment of epilepsy, stroke, brain tumors, movement disorders, spinal problems, and headaches.

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Why Choose India for Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

The following are the growing reasons for India being frequented for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor treatment:

  • World-Class Health Services at Affordable Costs: The nation is proficient in advanced medical technologies and treatments, including high-quality care at often dissimilar cost ratios of Western countries.
  • Most Qualified Professionals: Patients will find internationally trained, renowned hepatologists, surgeons, and specialists. Medical and individualised treatment options will complement the value of the care provided by the best experts in India.
  • Complete Medical Services: From advanced diagnostic tools such as elastography and imaging to liver transplants, India has gone the extra mile to provide patients with cutting-edge facilities for total Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) treatment.
  • Easy Medical Tourism: India is becoming a central international hub for medical tourism. Many accredited hospitals provide excellent service to international patients, including easy accessibility, visa assistance, and organised packages.
  • Holistic Treatment: Most hospitals in India work towards a mainstream plus traditional treatment regime for complete liver health recovery and wellness, thus attending to emotional and physical wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there is treatment available for AML, some patients can be cured, particularly with early detection and prompt action. The prognosis is modulated by several factors, such as age, general well-being, and the presence of any genetic mutations found in the leukemic cells.

The prognosis depends on the patient's age, response to treatment, presence of genetic mutations, and whether the leukemia was acute or relapsed. Better treatment results are seen in younger patients with favorable mutations.

Treatment may cause fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loss of hair, infections, low blood counts, and organ toxicity. Long-term side effects are mainly heart, lung, and immune dysfunction.

Though genetic mutations are one of the causes of AML, the vast majority of cases are not inherited. However, a family history of leukemia or other genetic syndromes can increase the risk of developing AML.

Patients are generally advised to take a high-protein, high-calorie balanced diet, maintain good hygiene to prevent infection, and manage stress. Regular follow-up visits are essential to detect complications or relapse early.

The prognosis of AML in India depends on several factors, including the patient's age, general health, and mutations in the cancer cells. The younger one is, and if diagnosed earlier, the better the prognosis. The treatment protocols available in India augment the survival of AML and give many patients a chance to achieve complete remission.

The duration of treatment in AML would depend on how the patient responds. Induction, or putting the patient into remission, is usually around 4-6 weeks, followed by consolidation therapy. The entire process would take several months, more so when a stem cell transplant is required, including the time for recovery.

Common complications of AML are infections, bleeding, and organ impairment owing to the low blood cell count. The significant complications, which could lead to respiratory or organ failure, are mostly experienced during intensive treatments like chemotherapy.

When searching for a hospital or treatment center for AML in India, factors influencing your decision include the hospital's repute, availability of treatment options from hematologists, patient reviews, financial options, and closeness.