Tatiana Schlossberg, 35—a granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy—has been diagnosed with terminal acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a form of blood cancer with a poor prognosis, following the detection of an abnormally high white blood cell count shortly after she gave birth to her second child. Her case has sparked renewed attention to the symptoms, risks, and treatment options for AML, which is particularly aggressive and often progresses rapidly.
AML, as explained by the American Cancer Society, develops in the bone marrow and can quickly spread to the bloodstream, lymph nodes, and other organs. Schlossberg’s condition is linked to a rare genetic mutation known as inversion 3, which disrupts chromosome 3 and is associated with resistance to conventional chemotherapy and a very high risk of relapse, according to Dr. Stephen Chung, a leukemia expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center. While the mutation does not appear to be inherited but rather arises spontaneously, recent research suggests that inherited mutations in AML may be more common than previously thought, leading to calls for broader genetic screening for all patients.
Despite the grim outlook, medical experts emphasize that advancements in AML treatment are accelerating. New targeted therapies and immune-based approaches, such as CAR-T cell therapy, are being tested in clinical trials, offering hope for more personalized and effective treatments. In some cases, patients may receive combination therapy involving venetoclax and azacytidine, which can be administered on an outpatient basis. For higher-risk cases, intensive chemotherapy is often followed by a stem cell transplant, which carries higher risks but offers potential for long-term remission.
Doctors warn that the warning signs of AML can be subtle, such as sudden, severe fatigue, shortness of breath with exertion, unusual bleeding, or unexplained bruising. Early detection remains critical, as many cases may first be identified through routine testing or when symptoms become severe. Schlossberg’s high-profile diagnosis has brought renewed attention to the importance of recognizing these symptoms and the role of genetics in AML, with experts urging patients to seek prompt medical attention if they experience persistent health concerns.