AML is classified by subtypes, while CML is classified by phases.
This article will help you learn what sets AML apart from CML.
It also discusses CML vs. AML treatment options.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
The two conditions can have similar symptoms, including:
However, there can also be differences as well.
AML is the second most common throw in of leukemia, usually in adults.
Five-year survival rates are about 72% today.
Causes
AML and CML have different causes.
When these healthy cells are crowded out, it gives rise to AML leukemia symptoms.
AML is defined by its subtypes, rather than with staging as is used in other types of cancer.
The subtypes are based on the genetic changes involved.
AML subtypes depend on the specific system used to classify them.
A 2016 study of 1,540 people with AML identified at least 11 major types based on their genetic changes.
In almost all CML patients, this makes chromosome 22 shorter than usualsomething dubbed thePhiladelphia chromosome.
CML cells mature more than AML cells do.
While these more closely resemble normal white blood cells, they don’t fight infection as well.
They also end up crowding out normal cells from thebone marrow.
With CML, it can take much longer for the condition to cause problems.The progression is defined by phases.
AML symptoms come on quickly over days to weeks.
With CML, the symptoms come on much more slowly, over months to years.
With CML, there may be no symptoms.
Instead, it may be flagged during a routine checkup or a blood test done for something unrelated.
AML Approaches
Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for those diagnosed with AML.
Chemotherapy will likely be divided into two phases: induction and consolidation.
Induction therapytakes place right after diagnosis, aiming to put you into complete remission.
This can target mutations in genes such as IDH1, IDH2, and FLT3.
CML is sometimes called the “good” cancer because CML treatments have advanced, including targeted therapy drugs.
When tyrosine kinase inhibitors are used, these keep the BCR-ABL enzyme from working and kills off CML cells.
These usually come in pill form.
This may be used initially to normalize blood cell levels and also reduce spleen size.
Another option may be immunotherapy, which relies on the body’s own immune system to destroy the cancer.
Stem cell transplantation (formerly called bone marrow transplantation) may be an option for some CML patients.
These can either come from your own stem cells or be donated by someone else.
Prevention
Heading off AML or CML before it develops can be an appealing idea.
Unfortunately, for CML, there are no known lifestyle risk factors that can be altered.
With AML, most of those affected do not have any lifestyle risk factors that can be changed.
Quitting smoking is one of the few actions that may have a preventive effect.
Also, your risk may be lowered by avoiding the cancer-causing chemical benzene.
However, this is likely a risk factor for AML in only a few cases.
Summary
AML and CML are blood andbone marrow cancersthat affect the same lines of white blood cells.
AML comes on suddenly as very immature cells crowd out normal cells in the bone marrow.
CML comes on more slowly, with the CML cells growing out of control.
AML is vigorously treated upon detection with chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.
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