What is acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplasia?

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplasia (MDS, also called myelodysplastic syndromes) are blood cancers caused by the uncontrolled multiplication of immature blood cells (blasts) in the bone marrow. In fact, it is inside the long bones and the flat bones that a multitude of blood cells are manufactured at every moment. There are three types of cells in the blood: red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that fight infections, and platelets that limit bleeding when you get injured or bruised. 

For reasons still unexplained, in patients suffering from these diseases, the stem cells of the bone marrow, those which are at the origin of the manufacture of blood cells, no longer function properly - which defines myelodysplasia - or else proliferate in an uncontrolled way, and we then can speak of acute leukemia. 

Age is known to be a risk factor for these diseases. Acute myeloid leukemia develops mainly in adults over 40 years of age. Certain risk factors have nevertheless been identified, such as exposure to ionizing radiation or certain chemicals. On the other hand, genetic abnormalities, pre-existing hematological diseases, or even a history of chemotherapy may be associated with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplasia. 

Institut Curie treats many cancer patients. The hematology department of Institut Curie regularly cares for patients with acute myeloid leukemia secondary to chemotherapy.