Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Treatment in Delhi

A diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia can feel overwhelming, but there is real hope. With timely diagnosis and expert care, many patients achieve complete remission and return to healthy, fulfilling lives. Modern AML treatment in India has advanced significantly, offering new possibilities through targeted therapies and comprehensive supportive care.

What Is Acute Myeloid Leukaemia?

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that starts in your bone marrow, the soft tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made. In AML, immature white blood cells (myeloblasts) grow abnormally and rapidly, crowding out healthy blood cells. This leads to anaemia, frequent infections, and bleeding problems that weaken your body’s natural defences.

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia requires prompt medical attention to prevent serious complications and achieve the best outcomes.

Types of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

AML is classified into different types based on how the leukaemia cells look and their genetic characteristics. Understanding your specific type is crucial as it directly influences your AML treatment plan.

FAB Classification (Traditional System)

• M0-M2: Different types of myeloblastic leukaemia
• M3 (Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia): A highly treatable subtype with excellent outcomes using targeted therapy for AML
• M4-M5: Monocytic leukaemia types
• M6-M7: Affect red blood cell or platelet production

WHO Classification (Modern System)

• AML with favourable genetic changes: Including mutations like t(8;21), inv(16), and t(15;17) that respond very well to treatment
• AML with myelodysplasia-related changes: Often seen in older adults
• Therapy-related AML: Develops after previous chemotherapy or radiation
• AML not otherwise specified: When specific genetic markers aren’t identified

Understanding Your AML Risk Category

Unlike many cancers, AML doesn’t use traditional stages. Instead, doctors use risk categories to predict treatment response.

Favourable Risk: Certain “good” genetic mutations predict better AML prognosis with success rates often exceeding 60-70%.

Intermediate Risk: No clearly favourable or unfavourable markers. Additional therapies like bone marrow transplant for AML may improve outcomes.

Unfavourable Risk: Complex chromosomal changes or high-risk mutations require more intensive treatment, including targeted therapy for AML and early transplant consideration.

Recognising Symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

Early symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia can be vague and easily mistaken for flu or fatigue. However, recognising these signs early makes a significant difference.

Common Warning Signs

• Persistent tiredness: Exhaustion even after rest, caused by anaemia
• Frequent infections: Recurring fevers, mouth sores, or chest infections
• Easy bruising or bleeding: Large bruises from small bumps, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums
• Pale or yellowish skin: Washed-out appearance from low red blood cells
• Bone or joint pain: Aching in arms, legs, ribs, or breastbone
• Shortness of breath: Winded during normal activities
• Tiny red spots on skin: Pinpoint spots (petechiae), especially on legs
• Swollen or bleeding gums: Particularly in certain AML subtypes
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying
• Night sweats: Drenching sweats during sleep
• Abdominal discomfort: Fullness or pain from enlarged spleen or liver

Leukaemia Symptoms in Children

Leukaemia symptoms in children may include irritability, loss of appetite, refusing to play, and frequent minor illnesses with slow recovery.

Important: If you or your child experiences several symptoms lasting more than 1-2 weeks, see a haemato-oncologist. With early detection, many patients achieve complete remission.

What Causes Acute Myeloid Leukaemia?

The exact causes of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia aren’t fully understood, but doctors have identified several AML risk factors:

• Previous cancer treatment: Chemotherapy or radiation increases risk
• Blood disorders: MDS, MPN, or aplastic anaemia can transform into AML
• Genetic syndromes: Down syndrome, Fanconi anaemia, Bloom syndrome
• Chemical exposure: Benzene, pesticides, industrial chemicals
• Smoking: Accounts for approximately 20% of adult AML cases
• Age: Risk increases with age; median diagnosis age is 68
• Radiation exposure: High-dose medical or environmental radiation
• Family history: First-degree relative with AML slightly raises risk
• Gender: Slightly more common in males

Remember: Most people with AML have no identifiable risk factors.

How is AML Diagnosed?

At Dr Satyendra Katewa’s centre, AML diagnosis and treatment follow internationally recognised guidelines.

Key Diagnostic Tests

AML Blood Test: A simple blood draw reveals abnormal blood counts and blast cells.

Bone Marrow Examination: Taking a small sample from your hip bone confirms diagnosis. Whilst temporarily uncomfortable, it provides crucial information.

Genetic Testing: Identifies specific mutations determining your risk category and guiding targeted therapy for AML selection.

Imaging Studies: CT scans and chest X-rays check disease extent.

Additional Tests: Liver and kidney function, clotting ability, infection screening.

Doctor will explain each test clearly and answer all questions.

Can Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Be Cured?

Yes, many patients can achieve cure, especially with early detection. The AML survival rate has improved dramatically with advances in chemotherapy for AML, targeted therapy for AML, and bone marrow transplant for AML.

What Influences Your Outcome?

• Age: Younger patients generally have better outcomes
• AML subtype: Favourable genetics predict higher cure rates
• Treatment response: Quick remission improves long-term survival
• Overall health: Good fitness helps treatment tolerance
• Donor availability: Important for transplant candidates

Current Success Rates

• Younger adults (under 60) with favourable genetics: 60-70% long-term survival
• Children: 65-75% long-term survival with specialised paediatric AML treatment
• Older adults: 20-40% long-term survival, improving with new therapies

Treatment Options for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia

At Dr Satyendra Katewa’s centre, every patient receives personalised care using the latest AML treatment options.

1. Chemotherapy for AML

Chemotherapy for AML remains the treatment backbone with two phases:

Induction Therapy: Intensive treatment destroys leukaemia cells to achieve complete remission. The standard “7+3” regimen requires 4-6 weeks hospitalisation. Approximately 60-80% achieve complete remission.

Consolidation Therapy: Additional cycles eliminate remaining cells and prevent relapse. High-dose cytarabine typically given over 3-4 cycles.

Managing Side Effects: Common AML chemotherapy side effects include temporary blood count drops (requiring transfusions), nausea, hair loss, mouth sores, infection risk, and fatigue. Dr Katewa’s team provides comprehensive supportive care.

2. Targeted Therapy for AML

Targeted therapy for AML uses medications attacking leukaemia cells with specific mutations whilst sparing healthy cells:

• FLT3 inhibitors: For FLT3-mutated AML
• IDH inhibitors: For IDH1 or IDH2 mutations
• BCL-2 inhibitors: Combined with low-dose chemotherapy for older patients
• ATRA and arsenic trioxide: Highly effective for APL with excellent cure rates

These precision medicines have significantly improved the AML survival rate.

3. Bone Marrow Transplant for AML

Bone marrow transplant for AML offers the best long-term cure chance for intermediate and high-risk patients.

Allogeneic transplant uses matched donor stem cells, providing a “graft-versus-leukaemia” effect where donor immune cells eliminate remaining leukaemia cells.

The process: High-dose conditioning, stem cell infusion, 2-4 week engraftment period, and several months careful recovery monitoring.

Whilst carrying risks including infection and graft-versus-host disease, transplant has helped thousands achieve lasting AML remission and recovery.

4. Supportive Care

Throughout treatment, you’ll receive blood transfusions, infection prevention and management, nutritional support, pain management, emotional counselling, and fertility preservation when possible.

AML Treatment for Children

Children require specialised paediatric AML treatment from a paediatric haemato-oncologist. Treatment at Dr. Satyendra Katewa’s centre is personalised to maximise cure rates whilst minimising long-term effects on growth, development, and fertility.

Age-appropriate protocols, family-centred care, psychosocial support, and educational continuity ensure optimal childhood outcomes. Children typically achieve 65-75% long-term survival.

AML Treatment for Adults

Adult AML treatment is personalised by age, fitness, and genetic risk:

Younger, fit adults (under 60): Intensive chemotherapy with transplant for intermediate/high-risk disease.

Older adults (60-75) with good fitness: Modified chemotherapy or venetoclax combinations. Transplant increasingly used in selected patients.

Older adults with medical conditions: Gentler approaches balancing disease control with quality of life.

Understanding Your Prognosis

The AML survival rate depends on genetic profile, age, treatment response, minimal residual disease status, and overall health. Statistics reflect past patients, new therapies continue improving outcomes beyond historical numbers.

Why Choose Dr Satyendra Katewa?

As a leading haemato-oncologist for AML and recognised Acute Myeloid Leukaemia specialist, Dr Satyendra Katewa combines medical excellence with compassionate care.

Expertise & Success

• Extensive experience treating paediatric AML treatment and adult AML treatment
• Expert in chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and transplant coordination
• Recognised as one of the trusted AML doctors in India

Comprehensive Care

• Advanced genetic testing and risk stratification
• Full-spectrum services including all modern AML treatment options
• Expert management of AML chemotherapy side effects
• Nutritional counselling and psychosocial support
• Long-term survivorship care

Patient-Centred Approach

• Clear communication about diagnosis and treatment
• Compassionate support for emotional and practical needs
• Shared decision-making respecting your values
• Trusted by families across India and internationally

“Our mission is to combine advanced oncology treatments with compassion, honesty, and hope for every patient.” – Dr Satyendra Katewa

International Patient Support

Dr Satyendra Katewa’s team supports international patients seeking AML treatment in Delhi:

Medical visa assistance, transparent cost estimates, pre-arrival consultation, airport pickup, accommodation help, interpreter services, online follow-up, and coordination with local oncologists. India offers world-class blood cancer treatment at affordable costs.

Your Journey Towards Recovery

Achieving AML remission and recovery is possible with prompt diagnosis and expert treatment. Dr Satyendra Katewa and his team will be with you at every step, providing expert medical care, comprehensive side effect management, emotional support, and hope grounded in excellence.

Many patients overcome AML and return to full, healthy lives.

Book Your Consultation

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia or experiences symptoms of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, don’t wait. Early evaluation by an Acute Myeloid Leukaemia specialist significantly improves outcomes.

Schedule a consultation with Dr Satyendra Katewa for detailed assessment, personalised treatment planning, clear explanation of options, and compassionate care throughout your journey.

There is hope. There is help. And there is healing ahead.

References

• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for AML
• World Health Organisation (WHO) Classification of Myeloid Neoplasms
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Haematology Protocols
• American Cancer Society: Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Information
• European LeukemiaNet (ELN) AML Risk Stratification