Hi! Could I hear about people’s experiences using Aza-Ven as a bridge to Stem cell transplant. We have had our consultation to discuss treatment regimes for my mum’s Acute myeloid leukaemia ('AML'). The consultant said the mutations aren’t good or bad, which classes it as intermediate Acute myeloid leukaemia ('AML'). Both routes end in a Stem cell transplant but the consultant said she could either do Aza-Ven > Stem cell transplant or intesive chemo > Stem cell transplant.
I am really on the fence about it all. We asked the consultant which one she would recommend but she wouldn’t really answer. All the papers I can find comparing the two methods say they both have the same success rates as a bridge to Stem cell transplant, in some Aza-Ven even performs a bit better. If this is the case then why wouldn’t this start to become the standard treatment for all ages, or perhaps it is just because Aza-Ven doesn’t have decades worth of research behind it.
For background my mum is 68, she is fit, eats healthy, no previous health problems. Only presenting with bruises, still feeling fine and blood counts aren’t changing much at the moment (it is only really her platelete which have taken a hit). Consultant has given her a week to think about it as said delaying the treatment doesn’t matter much for stable patients.
Hi @Rosevin4
Welcome to the forum.
I’m sorry to hear about your Mum.
My primary diagnosis was Myelofibrosis which progressed to Acute myeloid leukaemia ('AML').
I had Azacitidine on its own to start with.
Didn’t produce result hoped for.
Then I had high intensity chemotherapy Flag-ida which they hoped would get me in a position for transplant. Unfortunately didn’t alter blast counts.
Thing that did work for me and get me to a stage where I was offered a transplant was Azacitidine and Venetoclax combination.
Had Ruxolitinib throughout too.
Had Allogenic (Donor) Transplant April 2025 and now just over 1 year post transplant.
The intense chemotherapy usually what they hope will give a fast reduction in blast counts.
The Azacitidine and Venetoclax is more a slow burner and typically takes about 4 cycles to show a response.
Hope that helps 
Hi Duncan. Thanks so much for this. It really does help! So glad you are doing well now. Is it okay to ask where you were treated and what age you were at the time?
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Hi @Rosevin4
Glad it helped.
I had just turned 59 when diagnosed.
All my treatment apart from the transplant was at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
Transplant was at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Glasgow which is the national centre for whole of Scotland.
60 approaching 61 when I had my transplant.
Hello there @Rosevin4, welcome to the forum at this worrying time. Apologies for the belated welcome but I see dear @DuncanB has shared his invaluable wisdom as ever. I’m so sorry to read about your mum’s diagnosis with Acute myeloid leukaemia ('AML'), I imagine that’s been a big shock.
While I live with a related myeloid blood cancer to your mum called Polycythaemia vera ('PV'), treatments are pretty different so I’ll add the great Blood Cancer UK information about Acute myeloid leukaemia ('AML') here where you’ll find further links: Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) - what it is, symptoms, tests, treatment, prognosis and support. | Blood Cancer UK
From what you’ve shared it sounds like your mum isn’t having too many symptoms, is fit and healthy, and is stable. This all sounds great and is what I would hope for, so that should stand your mum in good stead as she chooses and begins treatment.
We forum members can’t really discuss the medical side of treatments, and in many ways they’re unique to each of us anyway, but you could contact the lovely Blood Cancer UK specialist nurses who really know their stuff and can point you towards resources. Their free number is 0808 2080 888 and they’re back tomorrow morning (Monday).
I see you’ve reached out to others on the forum already and would encourage you to keep doing so, you’ll find others like dear Duncan who have lived experiences of Acute myeloid leukaemia ('AML') and its treatments if you use the search box at the top or Related Topics below.
May I just wish you well with your pregnancy @Rosevin4 and urge you to keep sharing with loved ones and here if it feels helpful so you don’t have to hold all this yourself. It’s so loving that you’re here for your mum and I’d say don’t forget to tend to your needs too at this worrying time.
Do please keep us posted about how you and your mum get on.
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