acute megakaryoblastic leukemia

Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) is a rare type of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow cells responsible for making platelets. It is classified as a form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is most often seen in children. In many cases, the disease occurs in children with Down syndrome, although it can also occur in those without Down syndrome. AMKL can cause a variety of symptoms and may sometimes be seen together with conditions like acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis. People with this condition can experience both non-specific symptoms, such as irritability, weakness, and dizziness, as well as more specific signs like pallor, fever, mucocutaneous bleeding, enlarged liver or spleen, and in some instances, neurological issues and occasional swelling of the lymph nodes.

People with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia may have general symptoms like irritability, weakness, and dizziness. More specific signs can include pallor, fever, bleeding from the skin or mucous membranes, and an enlarged liver and spleen. In some cases, neurological symptoms and, rarely, swollen lymph nodes may also occur. The condition can sometimes be associated with acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis.

Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia is a type of cancer that develops from abnormal growth of blood cells in the bone marrow. It is seen predominantly in children and has a strong association with Down syndrome. When AMKL occurs in individuals without Down syndrome, the factors leading to the disease are less clear, and this subgroup generally has a poorer outlook.

Information about treatment is currently limited for this condition.

The outlook for people with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia can vary depending on the type. In cases associated with Down syndrome (DS-AMKL), survival rates are relatively higher, around 80%. However, for those without Down syndrome, this form of acute myeloid leukemia tends to be more aggressive and is linked with a poorer prognosis.

Information about research is currently limited for this condition.