Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is among the more common cancers that affect children. AML is a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that produces large numbers of abnormal blood cells.
Overview
These cells divide rapidly and uncontrollably. As a result, they are not able to mature and carry out the work of healthy cells. In addition, they fill up the bone marrow and prevent other healthy cells from being created. They also build up in the bloodstream and can invade the lymph nodes, brain, skin, liver, kidneys, and other organs.
Our approach
Children with AML who are treated here have access to more clinical trials and new treatments than anywhere else in Minnesota. Many of the treatments now available to patients with AML were pioneered here at the University of Minnesota. Our discoveries become the standard of care for patients around the world.
Our physicians work closely with researchers at Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, allowing us access to the latest advances in the treatment of leukemia. Patients receive care from the same physicians who create, develop and lead pediatric leukemia studies, including high risk and very high risk AML.
Our hospital is also home to one of the nation’s premier pediatric blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) programs. BMT is a treatment that is an essential part of therapy for some patients with AML.
Unique program just for kids with leukemia or lymphoma
Cancer and its treatments can have negative effects on many aspects of a child’s health, such as nutrition, physical strength, and the ability to learn and retain information. These effects need to be assessed and treated, but trying to coordinate appointments with the various specialists a child would need to see can be overwhelming. One of the primary reasons we established the Comprehensive Pediatric Leukemia and Lymphoma Program was to ease this burden.
We develop a coordinated plan for all aspects of care related to the whole health of a child with leukemia or lymphoma, all in a single clinic visit. Every child, adolescent, and young adult with leukemia or lymphoma at University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital receives this comprehensive assessment and care.
At each 90-minute clinic appointment, a child will typically see a variety of professionals, such as a pediatric oncologist, nurse practitioner, neuropsychologist, nutritionist, social worker, and child-family life specialist. This multidisciplinary team then designs a comprehensive, coordinated care plan to assess, monitor, and treat the effects of cancer on the child’s whole health. The objective is early assessment of any secondary condition so preemptive measures can be taken.
Patients are seen by highly trained specialists, who are able to recognize subtle indications of problems before damaging conditions can progress.
Specialists, physicians, and families create a care plan together, resulting in customized, coordinated care, and enhanced communication with patients and their families:
- Combining appointments into a single visit reduces the number of clinic appointments.
- Can coordinate care with Integrative Health and Wellbeing program to happen during one visit.