For questions about BMS medicines during this time please call 1-800-721-8909.
What is AML?
Bone marrow typically produces platelets (which help with blood clotting), red blood cells (which transport oxygen throughout the body), and white blood cells (which help fight infection).
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow. With AML, blood cells don’t form properly in the bone marrow and young, immature cells, called “blasts,” are produced instead. These young cells are unable to function the way healthy blood cells can. In most cases, AML can quickly move from the bone marrow into the blood and can sometimes spread to other parts of the body.
As the bone marrow continues to produce more and more blasts, there becomes no room for the production of normal red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When there are too many blasts and not enough healthy cells, the symptoms of AML begin to occur.
Platelet
Red Blood Cell
White Blood Cell
Young Blood Cell (blast)
What is relapsed or refractory AML?
The term “relapsed” means that the signs and symptoms of AML have returned after a period of being symptom free after initial therapy. It is also possible for AML to be “refractory,” which means that it does not respond to a particular treatment. It is common for a person with relapsed or refractory (R/R) AML to go through periods of treatment, response, and relapse over time.
Want more information?
Get more clarity on AML and IDHIFA® therapy in the glossary