Acute myelomonocytic leukaemia (AMML)

About AMML

AMML is a fast-growing blood cancer. It is a rare type of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

AMML develops when immature white blood cells called myeloblasts and monocytes divide uncontrollably. They build up in your bone marrow and stop it making enough healthy blood cells.

We do not know the exact cause of AMML, but it is not because of anything you have or have not done.

Signs and symptoms of AMML

The signs and symptoms of AMML include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Infections
• Feeling breathless
• Low red blood cell count (anaemia)
• Bruising or bleeding
• A swollen spleen or liver
• Swollen lymph nodes

AMML is usually diagnosed from blood tests and bone marrow tests.

Treating AMML

Treatment options for AMML are similar to those used for other types of AML.

Your haematology team will recommend either intensive or non-intensive treatment, depending on your individual needs.

Your team will explain what treatment they recommend and what you can expect from treatment.

We have separate information on different treatments.

Intensive treatment happens in phases.

• Induction phase
  • Aims to kill as many leukaemia cells as possible.
  • Usually involves chemotherapy, sometimes with a targeted medicine.
  • You usually stay in hospital for a few weeks to have it.
• Consolidation phase
  • Aims to kill any leukaemia cells that may be left.
  • Often involves cycles of chemotherapy, sometimes with a targeted medicine. Some people might have a stem cell transplant.
  • You usually have it in hospital and go home between cycles.
• Maintenance phase
  • Aims to reduce the risk of your AMML coming back.
  • Usually involves tablets to take at home.

Non-intensive treatment is gentler. It aims to control your AMML as much as possible rather than cure it. It usually involves low-dose chemotherapy or targeted therapy to take at home.

The outcome of AMML varies from person to person. Your medical team are best placed to discuss what they expect for you.

It can be hard dealing with treatment and its side effects. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, your medical team or Leukaemia Care.