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Chemotherapy is the main treatment for many people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It uses medicines to destroy leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow so healthy blood cells can begin to recover.
At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, your hematologist-oncologist prescribes your chemotherapy. They develop a treatment plan personalized to you, based on the subtype of your leukemia, genetic changes in the leukemia cells, your overall health and your treatment goals.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia Care Tailored to You
You and your family are our top priority. At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care — personalized to you. You'll have access to the latest treatment options, clinical trials and supportive care services.
How Chemotherapy Works
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill fast-growing cells (like cancer cells) or to keep them from dividing, which is how cancers grow. Many forms of chemotherapy are used for AML.
Chemotherapy is the primary treatment used during most stages of AML. Depending on where you are in your treatment plan, chemotherapy is delivered differently to achieve specific goals.
Phase 1: Induction Chemotherapy
Induction therapy is designed to clear AML cells from your blood and bone marrow to achieve remission.
- Inpatient care: Almost all Fred Hutch AML patients are admitted to UW Medical Center – Montlake for induction chemotherapy. Most patients stay about one week — significantly shorter than traditional 4- to 5-week stays, thanks to a specialized care pathway offered at Fred Hutch. Be aware, however, that every patient is different and additional time or courses may be needed.
- Administration: Medicines are given intravenously through a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) or a Hickman line by specialized oncology nurses.
- Outpatient transition: Once discharged, any ongoing monitoring or follow-up care takes place at the Sloan Clinic. We offer 365-day infusion services to help keep you from needing to return to the hospital.
Patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) receive a specialized regimen combining all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA/tretinoin) with either chemotherapy or arsenic trioxide (ATO).
Phase 2: Post-Remission Chemotherapy
The goal of post-remission therapy (consolidation) is to destroy remaining hidden leukemia cells and prevent a relapse.
- Outpatient treatment: These appointments take place at the Sloan Clinic.
- Treatment options: Chemotherapy is a primary option, though your physician may recommend switching to a different chemotherapy drug, adding targeted therapy or preparing for a blood and marrow transplant.
Patients with APL typically remain on chemotherapy combined with ATRA or ATO for several months up to a year during this phase.
Phase 3: Maintenance
Not all patients require maintenance therapy. However, if induction puts your AML in remission but intensive post-remission chemotherapy or a transplant isn't an option for you, maintenance therapy can help keep the cancer under control.
- At-home care: Maintenance is typically taken as a daily chemotherapy pill (azacitidine) at home. This allows you to maintain your routine while keeping your AML monitored by your Sloan Clinic care team.
Why Choose Fred Hutch for AML Care
Care for AML is complex. There are many medicines that are approved to treat this disease, and many new options are being developed. Getting the medicines that are right for you means everything. This is why it is important to come to a center, like Fred Hutch, that has deep experience in this disease. Our long history of caring for people with AML and doing AML research means the best care for you.