From the Guidelines
For acute myeloid leukemia (AML), you should consult a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in blood cancers. These specialists have extensive training in diagnosing and treating leukemia and will coordinate your care team, which may include other specialists such as infectious disease physicians, transfusion medicine specialists, and stem cell transplant physicians. Upon diagnosis, you'll typically be referred to a comprehensive cancer center where specialized care is available. The hematologist-oncologist will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include intensive chemotherapy (such as cytarabine and anthracyclines like daunorubicin), targeted therapies (like midostaurin for FLT3 mutations or venetoclax combinations), and possibly stem cell transplantation. AML requires immediate attention as it can progress rapidly, so prompt consultation is essential. The specialist will also manage complications like infections and bleeding, which are common during treatment. Regular follow-up with your hematologist-oncologist is crucial throughout treatment and during remission to monitor for potential relapse, as recommended by the NCCN guidelines 1.
Some key considerations in the management of AML include:
- The importance of cytogenetic and molecular testing to guide treatment decisions
- The use of clinical trials to improve treatment outcomes
- The role of supportive care in managing complications and improving quality of life
- The need for regular follow-up and monitoring for potential relapse
Overall, the management of AML requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, with a focus on personalized treatment and supportive care. By consulting a hematologist-oncologist and following the recommended treatment guidelines, patients with AML can receive the best possible care and improve their chances of a successful outcome.
From the FDA Drug Label
RYDAPT is indicated in combination with standard cytarabine and daunorubicin induction and cytarabine consolidation chemotherapy, for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are FLT3 mutation-positive, as detected by an FDA approved test
A patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) should consult a hematologist or an oncologist who specializes in the treatment of AML, as the treatment involves complex chemotherapy regimens and targeted therapies like midostaurin 2.
From the Research
Consultation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Patients
A patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) should consult a hematologist/oncologist for appropriate expert medical care 3.
Importance of Specialist Care
- AML is a complex and heterogeneous disease, and its treatment requires a comprehensive approach 4.
- Hematologist/oncologists have the expertise to provide risk-adapted treatment and supportive care measures, including blood product transfusions, antimicrobial treatment, and monitoring for chemotherapy-related complications 3.
- They can also help navigate the complex treatment landscape and choose the most appropriate therapy for each patient, taking into account factors such as age, leukemia risk, and genetic mutations 5, 4.
Considerations for Treatment
- The treatment of AML has evolved in recent years, with the approval of new therapies such as CPX-351, enasidenib, ivosidenib, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, and midostaurin 4.
- Comprehensive diagnostic testing, including cytogenetic and molecular testing, is necessary to establish patient eligibility for these new agents 4.
- The choice of therapy may depend on various factors, including the patient's age, leukemia risk, and genetic profile 5, 6, 7.