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Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.

Answers to questions about acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Should I take part in clinical trial treatments?

You should decide with your doctor if this is the best option for you.

Explanation

Depending on the type of leukaemia you have and the treatments available, your doctor may discuss new treatments that are available as part of a clinical trial. The trials are used to thoroughly test a treatment which may then be made available to people as a usual treatment. Clinical trials aim to find out if the treatment is safe, if there are side-effects, if the treatment is better than the ones currently used and if it helps you feel better.

There are four phases of a clinical trial:

  • Phase 1 - this tests a treatment to check if it is safe, has any harmful effects and at what dose the treatment should be used
  • Phase 2 - looks at how well a treatment works
  • Phase 3 - at this stage, the treatment will have gone through phases 1 and 2 and will be considered as a replacement for current standard treatments - there may be a number of phase 3 trials to ensure it's suitable as a potential replacement for standard treatment
  • Phase 4 - this is when a treatment has been licensed and further information on side-effects, safety, risks and benefits are measured and recorded

New and better treatments are not always discovered when clinical trials take place. Sometimes treatments don't work or side-effects are worse than existing treatments. Some may work, or can be useful to rule out the need for other treatments.

Ask your doctor about the trial so you know what it involves. The Medical Research Council have some example questions you may choose to ask:

  • What is the point of the trial? How will it help people?
  • Who is taking part in it?
  • If the trial is testing a drug, how often must I take it, when and for how long?
  • Do you know anything about the potential side-effects, risks or benefits?
  • How will the trial affect my daily life?
  • How often will I have to visit the clinic?
  • What will happen at these visits? Will I have extra tests?
  • What other medication can I take when I am taking part in this trial?
  • What happens if my condition gets worse?
  • How long will the trial last?
  • Will I be told about the results of the trial when it ends?
  • Who is funding the trial?
  • Will my travel expenses be paid to take part?
  • Is there anything I am not allowed to do while I am taking part in the trial?
  • Who can I talk to if I have any more questions?

Ask the doctor who is treating you for advice.

Further information

Sources

  • What clinical trials are. Macmillan Cancer Support. www.macmillan.org.uk, accessed 28 May 2008
  • How can I find a clinical trial in the UK suitable for me? Medical Research Council (MRC). www.ctu.mrc.ac.uk, accessed 28 May 2008
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What is FLT3 in AML?

FLT3 is a protein that is found on the surface of white blood cells. If this protein has changed (mutated) it may increase your risk of relapse (leukaemia coming back).

Explanation

The FLT3 protein makes the cell multiply and produce other cells if a certain factor, called growth factor stimulates it. Growth factor is regulated in our bodies to ensure cells grow and multiply in a controlled way. If the FLT3 doesn't work properly, it can cause the cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably.

In one in three people with AML and one in 10 people with ALL, there is a problem with the FLT3 protein. It is said to have mutated or changed. Research has shown that people with this mutation are less likely to go into remission (have their leukaemia controlled) and are more likely to have a relapse (the leukaemia isn't controlled and comes back).

Medicines to try target this protein are being tested in clinical trials to try prevent relapse and increase remission rates.

Further information

Sources

  • I have read about FLT3 in AML. Can you explain it for me? Macmillan Cancer Support. www.macmillan.org.uk, accessed 1 May 2008
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Will I be able to do what I normally do during treatment?

This depends on your usual activities and how you react to the type of treatment you have.

Explanation

During the period when you are having repeated courses of intensive chemotherapy, much of your time is spent in hospital with only short breaks in between. During these breaks you may still feel tired, which can affect how you cope with your daily activities such as cleaning and going shopping. Even after resting, you may still feel very tired. Your energy levels should get back to normal about six months to a year after treatment but this can be longer in some people.

Support and help from family and friends, gentle exercise, a healthy diet and rest when you need it will help you cope with tiredness. Ask your doctor for advice.

If you have a bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplant, you will need to go into hospital which will affect your usual routine. Ask your doctor to explain what will happen to you and how long you may be staying in hospital.

Further information

Sources

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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: March 2009

 

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