When treating AML (acute myeloid leukemia), what tests and measurements are followed?

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JorgeCortesMD (Physician - Oncology - Hematology/Oncology (Verified) ) - 01 / 04 / 2013

A patient undergoing treatment for AML is monitored closely with the peripheral blood as anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia, usually profound and sustained, are common during the treatment. Monitoring peripheral blood helps identify timing of transfusions which are required in nearly 100% of patients. It is important also to monitor electrolytes, as well as liver function tests and renal function as abnormalities occur not infrequently from the leukemia, the chemotherapy, or other concomitant medications (eg, antimicrobials used prophylactically or therapeutically). A bone marrow is done, usually around 3-4 weeks after the start of chemotherapy to determine the efficacy of the treatment. To determine that a patient has achieved a remission, the bone marrow has to show <5% blasts and the neutrophil and platelet count should have recovered (to >1x109/L and >100 x109/L, respectively).
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