Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a fast-growing type of leukaemia (cancer of the blood) which affects myeloid white blood cells.

This cancer affects the number of healthy cells in your blood. This can cause problems with fighting infection, carrying oxygen and bleeding. 

World Health Organization (WHO) classification

The WHO classification system divides AML into several broad groups by the type of abnormal myeloid cell and if:

• There are genetic changes in the cells.
• The leukaemia developed from a blood disorder.
• The leukaemia developed after chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• More than one type of blood cell has abnormal changes.

AML risk groups 

• Low risk: Your leukaemia is likely to be cured and there’s less chance of the cancer coming back (relapse). Low-risk patients won’t usually need a stem cell transplant, unless they relapse.
• Intermediate risk: It is hard to predict how you will respond to treatment. You may or may not need a stem cell transplant. 
• High risk: There’s a high risk of the leukaemia coming back (relapse) so you will have very intensive treatment. You are likely to have a stem cell transplant if you are suitable for one.

Medical content updated from our 'Understanding acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)' booklet (2025). Reviewed by Dr Vitaliy Mykytiv, Consultant Haematologst; Dr Rachel Brodie, Consultant Haematologist; Chandan D'Souza, Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist; Milie Mathew, Daffodil Centre Nurse.