AML: Next Steps
- Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, a hematologist-oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, talks to SurvivorNet about next steps after an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosis.
- Next steps can depend on the age of the patient. Younger patients are recommended to go through intensive inpatient chemotherapy while older patients are typically given outpatient therapies which include a backbone of hypomethylating agents Azacitidine and Decitabine.
- Dr. Sekeres encourages all patients just recently diagnosed with AML to bring a loved one to each doctor’s appointment. This can help a patient make informed treatment decisions.
For those diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an expert breaks down what to expect.
Read More The next steps after an AML diagnosis can largely depend on the age of the patient. If the person is younger, it’s typically recommended they go through intensive inpatient chemotherapy because it’s more likely they’ll go into remission or even be cured. Older patients will typically be given outpatient therapies which include a backbone of hypomethylating agents Azacitidine and Decitabine. However, each patient is encouraged to have an open and honest conversation with their physician about what they’d like to see out of treatment. Also, it helps to have a loved one or family member there to help talk through options. Related: After an AML Diagnosis, Knowing Your Risk Group is Important for Treatment “One of the best pieces of advice I can give to folks who are handed a new diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia is always bringing a family member or a friend with you to a doctor’s appointment,” Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, a hematologist-oncologist at University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, tells SurvivorNet.
By talking to your physician, you’ll be able to hear about the pros and cons concerning both inpatient and outpatient treatment. While inpatient treatment typically leads to better results, the patient may have concerns about staying in a hospital for up to six weeks. Ultimately, it’s important that you as a patient receive all the information about next steps so you can make an informed decision.
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