Treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)

Treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) usually starts quite quickly after being diagnosed.

AML treatment is generally divided into intensive or non intensive treatment. Chemotherapy is the main treatment in both. But you might have other treatments such as a stem cell transplant Open a glossary item, targeted cancer drugs, radiotherapy or removal of white blood cells (leukapheresis).

Find out how your doctor decides your treatment, detailed information about the each treatment, side effects and follow up. 

Treatment options

Find out about how your doctor decides which treatment you need and the types of treatment you might have.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anti cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. You usually have it as part of your treatment for AML.

Targeted cancer drugs

You might have a targeted drug as part of your treatment for AML.

Growth factors

Read about AML growth factors.

Radiotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)

Find out about what happens when you have radiotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Stem cell or bone marrow transplants for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)

You might either have a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

Treatment to remove abnormal white blood cells (leukapheresis)

Find out about leukapheresis treatment and how you have it.

Side effects of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) treatment

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) treatment can cause side effects. Read about the possible short and long term side effects from AML treatment.

Follow up

You have follow up appointments to check how you are and whether you have any problems or worries.

Last reviewed: 
15 Nov 2023
Next review due: 
15 Nov 2026