Amer Zeidan, MBBS, MHS, Reflects on AML Awareness Month

Amer Zeidan, MBBS, MHS, of Yale University, reflects on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Awareness Month and what it means to him as a clinician and scientist. AML Awareness Month is marked each June.

“Acute myeloid leukemia is a rare cancer,” Dr. Zeidan said. “The incidence in the US is around four in 100,000 people. However, it’s a cancer with very significant consequences … it can be overwhelming for many patients.”

He highlighted the progress in AML treatment and research that has been made in recent years.

“Over the last two decades, we have had a significant improvement in understanding the biology of AML,” Dr. Zeidan said.

This improved understanding has led to the development of new treatments for AML, he said, as 10 new drugs have been approved for AML since 2017.

“It’s really helping us help patients,” Dr. Zeidan said of the new treatment options.

With many “moving targets” and “very rapidly expanding information” in the AML field, he emphasized that it is key for patients to seek an expert opinion.

“There are a lot of exciting trials and a lot of new therapies that are being used,” Dr. Zeidan said.