- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses cytotoxic drugs to kill cancer cells. These may be given either through an IV or as an oral tablet. Treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) uses higher doses of chemotherapy over a shorter time (usually less than a year). The treatment of AML is delivered in 2 stages:
- Induction therapy – This is the first phase of treatment. The goal of induction therapy is to destroy as many cancer cells as possible to achieve (induce) remission. The remission induction therapy lasts for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Intensification (consolidation) therapy – This is a period of intensified treatment administered shortly after remission induction. Some new chemotherapeutic agents are administered to eradicate residual blast cells and tackle the problem of drug resistance.
- Treatment after a relapse – Children who have relapsed or have not responded to standard treatment may require a stem cell transplant. It is done through an allogeneic transplant.
- Allogeneic transplant – Blood stem cells can be taken from a donor whose bone marrow closely matches the patient. These cells are used to replace diseased stem cells. 
- Supportive Care – Blood and platelet transfusion, detection and management of infectious complications, nutritional/ metabolic needs and psychosocial support are required. A specialist in paediatric oncology should treat these children.
