CCoPE
Date: 2007-10-30

Question:
I have a 16 yr Old friend that is 22 weeks pregnant and has aml. They have told her to terminate the pregnancy , deliver at 24 weeks or go to full term and not have the treatment until baby is born. Can anyone give me some info, support etc for her Many thanks Kat

Answer:

The following information should not replace the assessment and advice you have been receiving from your physician (cancer specialist, obstetrician, or any other healthcare provider). It is offered for your information only. Consult your physician.

There is very little data regarding AML during pregnancy, most information is regarding ALL. However, in a large series from Japan, the authors could not find any adverse effects of ALL on pregnancy during late pregnancy (Int J Hematol 1998;67:37-43).

A case report of a 23 year old female diagnosed with AML at 23 weeks who received combined chemotherapy for treatment of the cancer, her child was delivered with no congenital abnormalities and follow-up at 5 years showed no neurologic or hematologic abnormalities (Int J Gynecol Obstet 1994;44:273-277).

In general, chemoptherapuetic agents cannot cause malformations beyond the first trimester and fetal toxicity has rarely been described.

There are numerous treatment options available, and it is important to discuss the safety of administering them during pregnancy with the physician or oncologist. It is important that the patient be closely followed by her physician throughout the pregnancy.