• Has a brother, sister, or identical twin with leukaemia.

• Has had past treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

• Was exposed to cigarette smoke or alcohol before birth.

• Has a genetic disorder, such as Down syndrome.

• Weakness, tiring easily, or shortness of breath.

• Fever.

• Unusual bruising or pinpoint-shaped dark spots under the skin that are caused by bleeding (petechiae).

• Nosebleeds or excessive bleeding from small cuts.

• Pale skin or a skin rash.

• Bone or joint pain.

• Abdominal pain, an enlarged liver or spleen, or swollen lymph nodes.

• Headache.

• Swollen gums.

• Poor appetite or weight loss.

• Your child’s symptoms and medical history.

• A physical examination.

• Tests, such as:

  • Blood tests to check blood cell counts and the shape of the blood cells.

  • Genetic tests to help determine the best way to treat the disease.

  • A bone marrow aspiration test to check for leukaemia cells.

  • A lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) to check for leukaemia cells in a sample of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

  • Testing a sample of tissue from a lump under the skin (biopsy).

  • Imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans.

• The first phase is called induction therapy. This therapy is used to destroy as many leukaemia cells as possible.

• The next stage is called consolidation therapy. This therapy is used to prevent cancer cells from coming back.

• Chemotherapy. This is the most common treatment and involves using medicines that kill cancer cells.

• Radiotherapy. This is the use of high-energy X-rays or gamma rays to kill cancer cells in a specific location in the body.

• High-dose chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant. A transplant replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy donor bone marrow.

• Targeted therapy. This is the use of medicine to attack (target) specific proteins, genes, or other things that cause a cancer cell to grow. This treatment may be used to help your child’s disease-fighting system (immune system) fight off the cancer cells.

• Antibiotics.

• Donated blood (transfusions).

Medicines

• Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as instructed by your child’s healthcare provider.

• If your child was prescribed an antibiotic, have him or her take it as instructed by the healthcare provider. Do not stop giving the antibiotic even if your child starts to feel better.

• Do not give your child dietary or herbal supplements unless your child’s healthcare provider tells you to give them. Some supplements can interfere with how well the treatment works.

If your child is on chemotherapy:

• You, your child and any visitors should wash hands often for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important before meals, after being outside, or after using the toilet.

• Keep your child’s teeth and gums clean. Have your child visit a dentist regularly. Use soft toothbrushes.

• Use sunblock and clothing to prevent or limit your child’s sun exposure.

• Make sure that your child and other family members get a flu jab (influenza vaccine) every year.

General instructions

• Avoid crowded places and people who are sick.

• Encourage your child to eat healthy meals and snacks on a regular basis. Some treatments might affect your child’s appetite.

  • Rinse all fruits and vegetables well.

• Have your child avoid contact sports and other rough activities. Ask your child’s healthcare provider what activities are safe for your child.

• Work with your child’s healthcare provider to manage any side effects of treatment.

• Keep all follow-up appointments as instructed by your child’s healthcare provider. This is important.

  • Your child will need to continue working with a healthcare provider even after treatment has been completed.

• Consider joining a support group for families who are coping with cancer. Your child may also benefit from a support group for children who have cancer.

Contact a healthcare provider if your child:

• Has a fever or chills.

• Has symptoms of the common cold, such as a cough or sore throat.

• Has pain when passing urine.

• Develops frequent diarrhoea or vomiting.

• Develops a new skin rash.

• Has been exposed to chickenpox or measles.

Get help right away if your child:

• Is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.

• Is 3 months to 3 years old and has a temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) or higher.

• Has trouble breathing.

• Has blood in his or her urine or faeces.

Summary

• Acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and the bone marrow. This cancer can grow quickly.

• Treatment for this condition may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a stem cell transplant.

• Your child will need to continue working with a healthcare provider even after treatment has been completed.

• Make sure you know the symptoms that should prompt you to call your child’s healthcare provider or to take your child to the emergency room.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.