Blood or marrow transplant for acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

A blood or marrow transplant (BMT), also known as a bone marrow transplant, blood stem cell transplant or stem cell transplant, may be used as part of treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Transplant replaces unhealthy blood-forming cells with healthy cells from a donor. For many people with AML, transplant may offer the possibility of long-term disease control or cure.

Because AML can progress quickly, transplant planning often begins early after diagnosis. Your health care team can help determine whether BMT may be appropriate based on your AML subtype, treatment response and overall health. 

There are two main types of BMT. An autologous transplant uses a patient’s own cells, while an allogeneic transplant uses healthy donor cells from another person. For AML, doctors most commonly use an allogeneic transplant because donor cells can help rebuild healthy blood cell production and support long-term disease control.

Donor cells may come from:

• A family member
• An unrelated donor
• Umbilical cord blood

Doctors determine the best donor based on factors such as donor compatibility, treatment timing and the patient’s individual medical needs.

If a patient needs an unrelated donor, their medical team works with NMDP^SM to access a network of donor registries worldwide to find the right donor for them.

NMDP also supports patients, caregivers and families throughout the transplant journey with education, support and guidance from diagnosis through long-term recovery. Research initiatives such as Donor for All are also helping expand access to blood or marrow transplant for more patients with AML.

Doctors may recommend a blood or marrow transplant based on several factors related to AML and a patient's overall health.

A transplant may be considered when:

• AML has a higher risk of returning after initial treatment
• Leukemia does not fully respond to chemotherapy
• AML returns after remission
• Certain genetic or molecular testing results suggest a higher risk of relapse
• AML developed after another blood disorder or previous cancer treatment

Because finding a suitable donor can take time, transplant planning and donor searches often begin early after diagnosis, even if a transplant may not happen immediately.

Your health care team can help explain whether transplant may be part of your treatment plan and when it may be recommended.

A blood or marrow transplant (BMT) for AML involves several stages, including finding a donor, transplant preparation, receiving donor cells and recovery after transplant. Each person’s treatment journey is different. Your health care team will guide you through every step of the process.

NMDP offers additional educational resources to help patients and caregivers better understand what to expect before, during and after transplant.

• Preparing for a blood or marrow transplant
• Finding a donor match
• What happens during transplant
• Recovery after transplant
• Understanding the risks of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
• Questions to ask your transplant care team

NMDP provides educational resources, support services and guidance to help patients, families and caregivers navigate AML treatment and transplant.

NMDP can help by:

• Answering questions about AML and transplant
• Providing educational resources and transplant information
• Offering counseling support resources
• Helping patients explore financial assistance resources
• Supporting patients searching for clinical trials
• Connecting patients and caregivers with additional support services

Having as much information as possible on your treatment options for AML will help you and your doctor make the best treatment decisions for your individual case. We’ve outlined some of our key resources below.