AML

AML is an acronym with several meanings, most commonly acute myeloid leukemia in medicine and anti-money laundering in finance. This article provides brief overviews of both.

Acute myeloid leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and blood characterized by rapid proliferation of abnormal myeloid blasts. It disrupts normal blood cell production and progresses quickly if untreated. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and shortness of breath. Diagnosis relies on blood counts and bone marrow biopsy showing increased blasts, with cytogenetic and molecular studies used to classify subtypes. Treatment typically begins with induction chemotherapy, usually cytarabine plus an anthracycline such as daunorubicin, with the goal of remission. Consolidation therapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation is considered for eligible patients. Targeted therapies for specific mutations and hypomethylating agents are available for select patients, especially older adults. Prognosis varies by age, performance status, cytogenetic and molecular features; younger patients with favorable mutations fare better, while older patients and adverse genetics portend poorer outcomes.

In finance, AML refers to laws and programs designed to detect and prevent money laundering and related illicit finance. Core components include customer due diligence (KYC), identification of beneficial ownership, ongoing transaction monitoring, and reporting of suspicious activity to authorities. Regulatory frameworks include the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) international standards and national regulations such as the US Bank Secrecy Act and the EU AML directives. Enforcement can involve penalties, license actions, or criminal charges, and many jurisdictions require ongoing risk-based monitoring. Financial institutions use automated monitoring, clear governance, staff training, and periodic audits to comply.