Great question! AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) and CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) are both types of leukemia, but they differ in some important ways — from the cells they affect to how quickly they progress.
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
Cell Type Affected
- AML starts in myeloid cells, which develop into red Show Full Answer
Great question! AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) and CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) are both types of leukemia, but they differ in some important ways — from the cells they affect to how quickly they progress.
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
Cell Type Affected
- AML starts in myeloid cells, which develop into red blood cells, platelets, and certain white blood cells
- CLL starts in lymphoid cells, specifically B lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system
Speed of Progression
- AML is acute, meaning it progresses very quickly and requires rapid treatment
- CLL is chronic, meaning it develops slowly and some people may not need treatment right away
Who It Affects
- AML most commonly affects older adults, with an average diagnosis age of 68
- CLL is also more common in older adults, but tends to be one of the most common leukemias in adults overall
Treatment
- AML is most commonly treated with chemotherapy
- CLL is often treated with targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or sometimes a "watch and wait" approach if it's progressing slowly It's always worth talking to your care team about which type you have and what treatment plan makes the most sense for your specific situation, as each person's leukemia can behave differently.
October 22