Five things to know about the Clinical Guidelines for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
The first-ever Australian Clinical Guidelines for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) were released in April and we sat down with Bill Stavreski, Head of Research at the Leukaemia Foundation, to find out what this means for patients.
- Let’s start with the basics – what exactly is AML and why does it need its own clinical guidelines?
AML stands for acute myeloid leukaemia. It’s a fast-growing blood cancer that affects the bone marrow and stops it from making healthy blood cells. It progresses very quickly, so doctors need clear, up-to-date guidelines to help them diagnose and treat it in the best way possible. The guidelines also help ensure that no matter where someone is in Australia, they get the best care available.
- This sounds like a big deal for doctors, but why should everyday people care about these guidelines?
The guidelines gather all the latest research and expert knowledge into a single document which can be easily referenced by healthcare professionals across the country.
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with AML, knowing there’s a trusted, evidence-based approach to treatment can be really reassuring. These guidelines will enable your doctors to follow the latest research to give you the best possible outcome.
- Can you break down why the guidelines are so important?
One of the biggest things we focus on is making sure people get diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. These guidelines highlight new treatments that are changing the game for some patients, including targeted therapies that work better.
They also provide treatment recommendations for adult patients to help improve survival rates and quality of life for people with AML. These are Australia’s first-ever clinical guidelines for leukaemia and were created as part of the National Strategic Action Plan for Blood Cancer which aims to improve care for people with blood cancer.
The main goal of these guidelines is to create standardised treatment pathways for AML patients across the country. They focus on reducing variations in care and guiding doctors on the best practices based on the latest research. Recommendations for antimicrobial treatments to protect patients from infections are also included along with information about clinical trials.
In short, the national guidelines will help ensure all people with AML get the best possible treatment and care.
- How does this guideline help people in rural or regional areas who might not be near a big hospital?
Not everyone lives near a major cancer centre and these guidelines ensure those people don’t miss out. They can be used by doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals across Australia to guide treatment decisions and deliver consistent care, no matter where a patient lives.
- If someone has just been diagnosed with AML, what’s one thing you’d want them to know?
I’d want them to know they’re not alone. A diagnosis like AML can feel and be overwhelming, but there are people such as specialist doctors, nurses and support groups who are here to help. The treatments for AML are improving all the time and we’re working hard to make sure every patient gets access to the best possible care. If you ever have questions, reach out to your doctor. No question is too small when it comes to your health.
If you are a patient or loved one seeking medical information, please refer to the Optimal Care Pathway for AML which outlines what high-quality care should look like at every stage of the patient journey. You should always consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns or questions about treatment.
Healthcare professionals can view the Australian Clinical Guidelines for AML here.