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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 out 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, remission can be achieved if treatment is given aggressively after an early diagnosis.

Quality of life
An early start of management can help control a patient's symptoms like fatigue, pain, and infections, benefiting their 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 the United Arab Emirates


Emerging new technologies and individualized treatment approaches significantly advanced in treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the United Arab Emirates. In prominent healthcare institutions, next-generation sequencing (NGS) is performed to detect mutation-specific genes, guiding the decisions for targeted therapies. Various innovations for bone marrow transplantation, including haploidentical and matched unrelated donor transplantation, improved survival rates among patients so far. The novelity of new inhibitors opened more therapeutic options for patients with relapsed or refractory AML. The immunotherapies currently being investigated in clinical trials include monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T-cell therapy.

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. To this end, protective equipment should be provided in high-risk workplaces.

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 counselling 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 800 - USD 6000Explore 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.

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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 5500 - USD 54000Explore 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.

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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 200000 - USD 300000Explore 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 used to diagnose AML 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. They also provide cognitive rehabilitation to help with memory and concentration issues experienced during treatment.

Psychological Support
Counselling 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 experiencing problems with losing weight due to a lack of appetite and malnutrition.

Pain and Fatigue Management
Pain treatment provides symptom control through medication or alternative means against pain caused by the 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 United Arab Emirates

Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • 209 bed capacity 14-beds in the Intensive Care Unit
  • 64 Slice CT, High End MRI, Neuro-navigation Surgical Systems
  • 3.0 Tesla MRI
  • Neuro-physiology
  • Specialized physiotherapy
  • Well managed rehabilitation services
  • 10 operating theatres
  • Royal Suites and Presidential Suites available
  • It comprises the most advanced treatment related equipment.
  • It is adorned with cutting edge diagnostic equipment.
  • Personal attention is given and there is an empathetic approach to healing, the hospital terms it the 'art of healing'.
  • Customised services are provided to International patients.
  • Centers of excellence
    • Cardiology
    • Pediatrics
    • Ophthalmology
    • Oncology
    • IVF
    • Gynecology & obstetrics
    • Orthopedics & sports medicine
    • Shoulder and upper limb unit
    • Burjeel vascular centre
    • Bariatric & metabolic surgery
Kings College Hospital Dubai: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Kings College Hospital Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Kings College Hospital Dubai located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • 100 beds in the Hospital
  • Operation Theatres
  • Special Intensive Care Units
  • 24*7 Emergency Department
  • Covid-19 Treatment Clinic
  • Wound & Stoma care center
  • Doctor on call (Telemedicine) is also available
NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City: Top Doctors, and Reviews
NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Capacity for 500 beds
  • 53 Critical Care beds
  • 24-hour Emergency Services
  • 24-hour Ambulance Service
  • OPD (Outpatient department treatment)
  • An Automated Laboratory
  • The Hospital has the first hybrid Operating Theatre with flex move system
  • First NICU and PICU Combination set up

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Why Choose the United Arab Emirates for Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

The following are the growing reasons for the United Arab Emirates being frequented for treatment:

  • Advanced Haematology Centres: Arab hospitals have world-class, modern haematology and oncology units.
  • Access to Latest Treatments: Cost-effective targeted therapy, stem cell transplants, and immunotherapies.
  • Highly Experienced Specialists: The United Arab Emirates employs internationally trained haematologists and oncologists who specialise in AML treatment.
  • Affordable and High-Quality Care: The United Arab Emirates has lower costs than 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 United Arab Emirates has advanced centres performing autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplants.

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

MRD testing helps detect tiny traces of leukemia after treatment and is widely used in the United Arab Emirates.

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

The prognosis depends on the patient's age, response to treatment, presence of genetic mutations, and whether the leukemia was acute or relapsed. Younger patients with favourable mutations have better treatment results.

Treatment may cause fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, 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.

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.