What to expect from chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia

The medicines target rapidly dividing leukaemia cells. An initial phase aims to bring the disease into remission, followed by additional treatment to help keep it there. Some people may later be assessed for a stem cell transplant or another treatment, depending on chromosome and gene findings, fitness, donor options and response.

Treatment can lower healthy white cells, red cells and platelets as well as leukaemia cells. This may cause tiredness, breathlessness, infection risk or easy bruising. Nausea, mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, constipation and hair loss are also possible. A central venous line may be used for medicines, fluids and blood products.

Check with the team before taking non-prescription medicines or supplements. Use the mouth-care routine provided, wash hands regularly and avoid contact with people who are unwell when advised. Keep track of temperature, fluid intake and bowel changes. Arrange support for meals, transport and home tasks, and tell staff if pain or symptoms make eating, sleeping or moving difficult.

Call the hospital urgently for fever, chills, a new cough, sore throat, burning urine, worsening diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, bleeding, black stools or a new rash. Emergency help is needed for severe breathlessness, chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, fainting or sudden confusion. Do not wait for the next appointment when the team has given you an urgent-care number.

Ask how remission will be assessed, when marrow tests are planned, whether a central line is recommended, what transfusions may be needed, and whether transplant assessment should begin early.