What are the blood test findings in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

From the Research

Introduction to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a malignancy of the stem cell precursors of the myeloid lineage, characterized by a clonal proliferation of immature myeloid cells [ 1 ]. The diagnosis of AML can be made based on peripheral blood or bone marrow blasts [ 2 ].

Blood Test Findings in AML

The blood test findings in AML may include:

• Presence of circulating blasts in the peripheral blood [ 2 ]
• Abnormal complete blood counts (CBCs) [ 3 ]
• Coagulopathy ranging from hemorrhagic to thrombotic symptoms [ 3 ]
• Thromboelastography (TEG) may show complex and dynamic coagulation abnormalities [ 3 ]

Diagnostic Evaluation

The diagnostic evaluation of AML includes:

• Morphologic evaluation on the bone marrow aspirate and/or core biopsy [ 4 ]
• Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry and/or immunohistochemistry [ 4 ]
• Cytogenetic analysis by karyotyping and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization [ 4 ]
• Molecular testing using gene panels and/or next-generation sequencing [ 4 ]

Treatment and Management

The treatment and management of AML may include:

• Induction chemotherapy [ 2 ]
• Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation to consolidate remission in high-risk patients [ 5 ]
• New agents targeted at specific biochemical pathways and immunotherapeutic approaches [ 5 ]

Caveats and Considerations

• The diagnosis and classification of AML are crucial for patient management [ 4 ]
• The genomic landscape of AML has been determined, and genetic instability is infrequent [ 5 ]
• Mortality remains high, especially in older patients [ 5 ]