| Περίληψη: | Acute myeloid leukemia denotes an abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation of the myeloid stem cells with a varying degree of inhibition of their differentiation after the stage of blasts and promyelocytes. As a rule, AML is caused by abnormal super-activation of various “proliferation genes” (or inhibition of other “controlling” genes) by products of mutant genes or hybrid genes formed by chromosomal translocations. The leukemic cells invade the marrow and the peripheral blood and finally infiltrate the tissues and organs causing their dysfunction and death. AML presents in various forms, which are further categorized on the basis of specific morphological, or caryotypic or molecular criteria. Immediate therapy is imperative and comprises the administration of the appropriate cytostatic agents along with intensive support with blood products and antibiotics. If the patient is left with no therapy, death within 4-8 weeks is unavoidable. In selected cases cure can be obtained by allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
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