therapy-related AML

Definition of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia

therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia

(THAYR-uh-pee-ree-LAY-ted uh-KYOOT MY-eh-loyd loo-KEE-mee-uh)
A type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is caused by previous treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia is an aggressive (fast-growing) cancer in which there are too many myeloblasts (immature white blood cells) in the blood or bone marrow. Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia usually occurs within 7 years after treatment. It is more common in adults. Also called t-AML.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms