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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 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.

Encourage Treatment Response
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 minimised
After treating AML at its earliest possible stage, resolving the issues of these complications is much more favourable, 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.

Quality of life
An early start of management can help control a patient's symptoms like fatigue, pain, and infections, benefiting his quality of life during treatment.

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 Turkey


Amidst growing new drug entities for treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) inhibitors, the condition is reframed into better treatment outcomes within the genetically mutated population pipeline. CAR-T cell therapy is also considered among the roles for old relapses about the induced immune response against leukemic cells. Another concept that plays a significant role in personalising treatment is next-generation sequencing (NGS), which identifies genetic abnormalities. Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) monitoring detects, after adequate treatment, traces of leukemia that a person may have experienced, thus reducing relapse chances. Hypomethylating agents with venetoclax have a possible increase in overall survival for elderly patients who are unfit for intensive chemotherapy. Stem cell transplants with reduced-intensity conditioning can expand the eligibility of the donor pool and survival chances. Immunotherapies and monoclonal antibodies continue to be investigated in clinical trials and will bring renewed hope for many 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.

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 7420 - USD 30000Explore 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 15000 - USD 25000Explore Options

Targeted Therapy : Specific targeted drugs have been used to treat specific genetic mutations in the cells of patients with AML to enhance treatment benefits, particularly for those with mutations.


Cost Start From USD 7500 - 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 7420 - USD 42500Explore 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 25000 - USD 55000Explore 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 leukaemia cells and the percentage of blasts.
  • Cytogenetic Testing: Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and karyotyping allow the detection of chromosomal abnormalities, 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 to support patients through Teleconsulations and online therapy sessions.

Physical Rehabilitation
Post-treatment exercise programs improve the patients' strength, mobility, and endurance, especially after chemotherapy or stem cell transplant.

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.

Lifestyle Modifications
The nutritionist assists patients with AML who are experiencing problems with losing weight due to a lack of appetite and malnutrition correction.

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 Turkey

Medicana International Istanbul: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Medicana International Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

Medicana International Istanbul located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Covers an indoor area of 30.000 m
  • Capacity of 191 beds
  • 34 ICUs
  • 8 NICUs
  • 8 Operation Theatres
  • Inpatient Floors
  • Outpatient Floors
  • Internal and Surgical Intensive Unit Care
  • Cardiovascular Surgery Intensive Care Unit
  • Coronary Intensive Care Unit
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • Patient comfort CIP, VIP and Standard Patient Rooms
  • Intensive care patient rooms
  • Technology Advancement- PET-CT, ERCP, BT/MR 1.5 Tesla
Medicana International Samsun Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Medicana International Samsun Hospital

Samsun, Turkey

Medicana International Samsun Hospital located in Samsun, Turkey is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • International Samsun Hospital provides services in a closed area of 30.000 m2
  • 9 elevators with pressure control have been designed for you in the hospital with 3 blocks, two of which are 11 floors and the other 10 floors
  • Capacity of 249 beds
  • 7 Operating Theatres
  • 109 Intensive Care beds (19 Newborn, 7 Paediatric, 20 Coronary, 8 CVS, and 54 General)
  • Laboratories - Biochemistry, Pathology, Hormone, Microbiology, Sleep Lab
  • IVF Center
  • Oncology Center
  • The Hospital serves patients with a team of about 99 specialists and academicians in 40 branches and 631 employees
  • Medicana International Samsun uses advanced technology & modern equipment such as BT/MR 1.5 Tesla, 3d Conformal, Thermal Welding, Holmium Laser, 4D Ultrasonography, Color Doppler Ultrasonography, Mammography, and Radiotherapy; in order to perform safe, authentic and quick treatment
  • All kinds of rooms are available for the patients- Single, Suite and VIP Rooms. Patient rooms are equipped with the latest technology and comfort
  • Amenities provided in the room for patients and their relatives- TV and Minibar in each room, 24-hour interrupted Cafeteria service, central air-conditioning ventilation system in each room, Internet access, phones in rooms, and much more
  • Cafeteria/Restaurant
  • Pharmacies on Duty
  • Parking lot with a capacity for 50 vehicles
Medicana International Ankara Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Medicana International Ankara Hospital

Ankara, Turkey

Medicana International Ankara Hospital located in Ankara, Turkey is accredited by ISO, JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Area of 20.000 m2
  • Capacity for 207 bed capacity
  • 8 Operating rooms
  • 26 Observation beds
  • 17 internal and surgical intensive care units
  • 9 cardiovascular intensive care units
  • 10 incubators
  • 5 Coronary Intensive Care Unit
  • Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
  • IVF Center
  • Advanced Oncology Unit
  • Bone Marrow Center
  • Organ Transplant Center
  • Cardiology center
  • Obesity Center
  • Clinical Services
  • In-house Pharmacies
  • Parking capacity of 50 vehicles and free valet service
  • Patients rooms are fully equipped and categorized as Suite room, VIP room and standard room

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Why Choose Turkey for Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

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

  • Advanced Hematology Centers: Turkish hospitals have world-class units of modern hematology and oncology.
  • Access to Latest Treatments: Cost-effective targeted therapy, stem cell transplants, and immunotherapies.
  • Highly Experienced Specialists: Turkey employs internationally trained hematologists specialising in AML treatment.
  • Affordable and High-Quality Care: The costs are lower in Turkey compared to other countries, and the quality is never compromised.
  • Comprehensive Patient Support: International patients receive visa assistance, travel arrangements, and multilingual medical support.

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.

Turkey has advanced centers performing autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplants.

Yes, many Turkish hospitals offer specialised services for international AML patients.

MRD testing helps detect tiny traces of leukemia after treatment and is widely used in Turkey.

Hospitals offer translation services, accommodation assistance, and specialised oncology care.

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.

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.