Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults. In 2025, it is estimated that about 22,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with AML. It primarily affects people over the age of 65, though it can occur at any age. At Columbia, our expert teams specialize in AML, offering prompt, personalized care that brings together advanced diagnostics, innovative treatments, and clinical trials tailored to each patient’s unique condition.  

What is acute myeloid leukemia (AML)? 

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that starts in early myeloid cells in the bone marrow—cells that normally develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. In AML, these immature cells grow out of control, don’t function normally, and overtake healthy cells, leading to symptoms like fatigue, bleeding, and frequent infections. 

AML is not just one disease—it includes several subtypes, each with unique genetic features that influence how it behaves and how it is treated. At Columbia, we use advanced molecular testing to identify your specific subtype and personalize your care plan accordingly. 

Common AML subtypes include: 

• AML with specific genetic abnormalities: These subtypes are defined by changes in chromosomes or genes, such as t(8;21), inv(16), or t(15;17) (acute promyelocytic leukemia), and may respond well to targeted treatment. 
• Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL): A unique and highly treatable subtype of AML caused by a specific gene fusion (PML-RARA). APL often presents with bleeding issues and requires urgent treatment, but many patients achieve remission with therapies like ATRA and arsenic trioxide. 
• AML with myelodysplasia-related changes: Seen more often in older adults or people with prior blood disorders like MDS; often associated with a more complex genetic profile. 
• Therapy-related AML (t-AML): Develops after chemotherapy or radiation therapy for a different cancer; usually more challenging to treat. 
• AML with gene mutations (e.g., NPM1, FLT3, IDH1, IDH2): These subtypes are identified through molecular testing and may qualify for targeted therapies or clinical trials. 
• AML not otherwise specified (NOS): Includes cases that don’t fit into the above categories and are classified based on how the cells look under a microscope. 

Columbia’s approach to identifying your AML subtype helps us determine the best treatment options for you—whether that includes chemotherapy, stem cell transplant or access to a specialized clinical trial. Our specialists use precision genetic testing to identify these subtypes and develop targeted, individualized care plans. 

What are AML symptoms? 

Because AML develops quickly, symptoms may appear suddenly and get worse very quickly. Common signs include fatigue, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, frequent infections, and shortness of breath. The American Cancer Society considers AML a medical emergency – seek medical attention right away if you experience any of these symptoms. 

How is AML diagnosed? 

Diagnosing AML starts with a complete blood count and examination of blood cell appearance. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the AML subtype, we perform a bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, chromosome analysis, and advanced molecular testing. 

These tests help our team classify your leukemia and create a personalized treatment plan. At Columbia, we use the latest genomic and molecular profiling techniques to provide the most accurate and detailed diagnosis possible. 

How is AML treated? 

AML is considered a medical emergency in many cases and often requires treatment soon after diagnosis. Treatment depends on age, overall health, and the subtype of AML. 

Common treatments for AML include: 

• Intensive chemotherapy to destroy leukemia cells and restore normal blood cell production 
• Targeted therapies that block specific mutations (such as FLT3 or IDH1/2 inhibitors) 
• Menin inhibitors and other investigational agents for genetically defined AML subtypes 
• Monoclonal antibodies to help the immune system recognize and attack leukemia cells 
• Allogeneic stem cell transplantation, when appropriate, to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy cells 

At Columbia, we offer both standard therapies and innovative options through clinical trials—giving you access to some of the most advanced treatments available. Our team includes specialists in AML who collaborate closely with Columbia’s leading researchers, bringing new discoveries from the lab directly to patients.