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Unlike many other cancers, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is not described using traditional cancer stages using numerals. Instead, AML is grouped into three risk levels, based on gene changes in the cancer cells.
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AML Status
Acute myeloid leukemia can also be categorized based on its status.
- Newly diagnosed (untreated) AML – Cancer has not been treated and complete blood count (CBC) is abnormal; more than 20% of the cells in bone marrow are leukemia cells; and there are signs or symptoms of leukemia.
- AML in remission – Cancer has been treated and CBC is normal; less than 5% of cells in bone marrow are leukemia cells; and there are no signs or symptoms of leukemia.
- Refractory or recurrent AML – Refractory AML is when a newly diagnosed person is treated with chemotherapy, but the cancer does not go into remission. Recurrent AML is when a person’s AML is treated and goes into remission but then the cancer comes back.
How AML is Evaluated
To understand your risk level and develop your treatment plan, your physician studies information from:
- Blood tests
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
- Cytogenetic testing
- Molecular testing
- Other specialized laboratory studies
Together, these tests help identify the subtype of AML. They also provide important information about how the disease may respond to treatment.