Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in children
One-third of all childhood cancers are leukaemia, with approximately 400 new cases occurring each year in the UK. Less than a quarter of these are acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). AML can affect children of any age, and girls and boys are equally affected.
More children than ever are surviving childhood cancer. There are new and better drugs and treatments. But it remains devastating to hear that your child has cancer, and at times it can feel overwhelming. There are many healthcare professionals and support organisations to help you through this difficult time.
Understanding more about the cancer your child has and the treatments that may be used can often help parents to cope. We hope you find the information here helpful. Your child's specialist will give you more detailed information. If you have any questions it’s important to ask the specialist doctor or nurse who knows your child’s individual situation.
You may find it helpful to read this section alongside the section on children’s cancers, which contains more information about cancers in children, their diagnosis and treatment, and the support services available.
We hope this page answers your questions. If you have any further questions, you can ask a nurse or doctor involved in your child's treatment.
Leukaemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. All blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, the spongy substance at the core of some of the bones in the body.
Bone marrow contains:
red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body
platelets, which help the blood to clot and control bleeding
white blood cells, which help to fight infection.
There are two different types of white blood cells: lymphocytes and myeloid cells (including neutrophils). These white blood cells work together to fight infection. Normally white blood cells develop, repair and reproduce themselves in an orderly and controlled way. In leukaemia, however, the process gets out of control and the cells continue to divide in the bone marrow, but do not mature.
These immature dividing cells fill up the bone marrow and stop it from making healthy blood cells. As the leukaemia cells are immature, they cannot work properly. This leads to an increased risk of infection. Because the bone marrow cannot make enough healthy red blood cells and platelets, symptoms such as anaemia and bruising can occur.
There are four main types of leukaemia: acute lymphoblastic (ALL), acute myeloid (AML), chronic lymphocytic (CLL) and chronic myeloid (CML). Chronic leukaemias occur mostly in adults, and are extremely rare in children and young people. Each type of leukaemia has its own characteristics and treatment.
This information is about acute myeloid leukaemia. If your child's cancer is one of the other types listed above, our cancer support specialists can give you further information about it.
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
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Acute myeloid leukaemia is an overproduction of immature myeloid white blood cells (blast cells).
Cells that have started to show some of the features of myeloid cells are said to show differentiation. Cells that do not show signs of becoming a particular type of white blood cell are known as undifferentiated.
There are different sub-types of AML, depending upon exactly which type of cell has become leukaemic, the stage of development (maturation) the cells are at and whether the cells are differentiated. Knowing the sub-type of AML is important, as it helps doctors decide on the best treatment.
There are several classification systems for the sub-types of AML. The most commonly used system in the UK is the French-American-British (FAB) system.
FAB classification of AML
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M0 - AML with minimal evidence of myeloid differentiation
M1 - AML without maturation
M2 - AML with maturation
M3 - Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL)
M4 - Acute myelomonocytic leukaemia
M5 - Acute monocytic/monoblastic leukaemia
M6 - Acute erythroleukaemia
M7 - Acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia
A newer system known as the WHO (World Health Organisation) classification system is also sometimes used.
The exact cause of AML is unknown. Research into possible causes of this disease is ongoing. Children with certain genetic disorders, such as Down’s syndrome or
Li-Fraumeni syndrome, are known to have a higher risk of developing leukaemia. Brothers and sisters of a child with AML have a slightly increased risk of developing it, although this risk is still small. Other non-cancerous conditions, such as aplastic anaemia or the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), may increase a child’s risk of developing AML.
In recent years, there has been publicity about leukaemia occurring more often in children who live near nuclear power plants or high-voltage power lines. Research is being carried out to see if there is any definite link between these factors and leukaemia, but at present there is no evidence of this.
AML, like all types of cancer, is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people.
You might find it helpful to read our information about cancer and genetics.
Signs and symptoms of AML in children
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As the leukaemia cells multiply in the bone marrow, the production of normal blood cells is reduced. Children may therefore become tired and lethargic because of anaemia, which is caused by a lack of red blood cells.
Children may develop bruises, and bleeding may take longer to stop because of the low number of platelets present in their blood. Sometimes they may suffer from infections because of low numbers of normal white blood cells.
A child is likely to feel generally unwell and may complain of aches and pains in the limbs or may have swollen lymph glands.
At first, the symptoms are just like those of a viral infection, but when they continue for more than a week or two, the diagnosis usually becomes clear.
A blood test usually shows low numbers of normal white blood cells and the presence of abnormal leukaemia cells. A sample of bone marrow is needed to confirm the diagnosis. The bone marrow sample is also examined to check for any abnormalities in the chromosomes of the leukaemia cells. A test called a lumbar puncture is done to see if the spinal fluid contains any leukaemia cells. A chest x-ray is also done, which will show if there are any enlarged glands in the chest. Other tests may be necessary, depending on your child’s symptoms.
These tests will help to identify the precise type of leukaemia. The section on children’s cancers explains these tests in more detail.
Treatment for AML in children
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The aim of treatment for AML is to destroy the leukaemia cells and enable the bone marrow to work normally again. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for AML. Usually a combination of chemotherapy drugs is given. The treatment usually has different phases, explained below.
This phase involves intensive treatment, aimed at destroying as many leukaemia cells as possible. It usually involves two courses (cycles) of a combination of chemotherapy drugs.
A bone marrow test is taken at the end of induction treatment to confirm whether or not the child still has leukaemia. When there is no evidence of leukaemia, the child's condition is referred to as being in remission.
When there are no signs of the leukaemia in the blood or bone marrow, further treatment is often given. This phase of the treatment aims to destroy any leukaemia cells that may be left and to help stop the AML from coming back. This treatment usually involves two more courses of chemotherapy.
Bone marrow transplant
This treatment is usually only used for children with AML that is likely to come back or has come back (recurred) following standard chemotherapy.
Central nervous system (CNS) treatment
AML may sometimes develop in the brain and spinal cord. This can be prevented by injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the spinal fluid during a lumbar puncture (intrathecal chemotherapy). Intrathecal chemotherapy is usually given after each of the first two courses of chemotherapy. Sometimes a more intensive treatment is needed, and the intrathecal drugs are given more frequently until all the regular chemotherapy has been completed. Occasionally, radiotherapy to the brain is also necessary.
Side effects of treatment for AML
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Many cancer treatments will cause side effects. This is because while the treatments are killing the cancer cells, they can also damage some normal cells. Some of the main side effects are:
Most side effects are temporary, and there are ways of reducing them and supporting your child through them. Your child’s doctor or nurse will talk to you about side effects.
Late side effects of treatment for AML
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A small number of children may develop late side effects, sometimes many years later. These include possible problems with puberty and fertility, a change in the way the heart works, and a small increase in the risk of developing a second cancer in later life. Your child’s doctor or nurse will talk to you about any possible late side effects.
There is more detailed information about these late side effects in our section on children’s cancers.
Many children have their treatment as part of a clinical research trial. Trials aim to improve our understanding of the best way to treat an illness, usually by comparing the standard treatment with a new or modified version. Specialist doctors carry out trials for AML. If appropriate, your child's medical team will talk to you about taking part in a clinical trial and will answer any questions you have. Written information is often provided to help explain things.
Taking part in a research trial is completely voluntary, and you'll be given plenty of time to decide if it's right for your child.
Many children with AML are cured. If the leukaemia comes back after initial treatment, it usually does so within the first three years. Most children with AML grow and develop normally.
If you have specific concerns about your child’s condition and treatment, it's best to discuss them with your child’s doctor, who knows the situation in detail.
As a parent, the fact that your child has cancer is one of the worst situations you can be faced with. You may have many different emotions, such as fear, guilt, sadness, anger and uncertainty. These are all normal reactions and are part of the process that many parents go through at such a difficult time.
Your teams of doctors and nurses are there to help support your child and family as well as carry out treatments. It is important to discuss any difficulties you may be having with your treatment team.
The section on children’s cancers talks about the emotional impact of caring for an unwell child and suggests sources of help and support. It also discusses the range of powerful emotions your child may experience throughout their illness, including how you can support your child.
Our booklet Katie’s Garden is a storybook for primary school-age children about a girl's experience of cancer.
Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG)
CCLG coordinates research and care for children and their parents. There are 21 CCLG specialist centres for the treatment of childhood cancer and leukaemia, covering all areas of the UK and Ireland (there's a map of the centres on the website). The website also has information about the CCLG, childhood cancer and leukaemia.
CLIC Sargent offers practical support to children and young people with cancer or leukaemia, and to their families.
Leukaemia CARE is a national charity that provides care and support to patients, their families and carers, through the diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia or an allied blood disorder.
This section has been compiled using information from many reliable sources, including:
Cardiff University. AML17: Working parties on leukaemia in adults and children in acute myeloid leukaemia or high risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Version 7.1. 2011.
Neville K, Steuber P. Clinical assessment of the child with suspected cancer.
www.uptodate.com (accessed November 2012).
Pinkerton, et al. Evidence-based paediatric oncology. 2nd edition. 2007. Blackwell Publishing.
Voute PA, et al. Cancer in Children: Clinical Management. 5th edition. 2005. Oxford University Press.
With thanks to Dr Jenny Welch, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist; and the people affected by cancer who reviewed this edition.
Reviewing information is just one way of the ways you could help when you join our Cancer Voices network.
We worked with the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) to write our information about children's cancer.