Targeted Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Eunice Wang, MD, Chief of the Leukemia Service at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides an overview to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and how new targeted treatments have completely transformed how AML patients are managed.

AML is a rare bone marrow cancer that often develops quickly with an aggressive course. The signs and symptoms of AML vary but may include easy bruising; bone pain or tenderness; fatigue; fever; frequent nosebleeds; bleeding from the gums; shortness of breath; and/or weight loss. AML is one of the more common types of leukemia among adults and is rarely diagnosed in people under age 40.

As Dr. Wang explains in this video, AML is no longer considered a death sentence. Newer targeted therapies are especially helpful in providing safer and more efficient means to treat AML patients who are often elderly and unable to tolerate the standard chemotherapy regimens.