Acute myeloid leukemia patients 50 years of age or older responded to induction therapy

09-19-2006

Clofarabine and cytarabine induction therapy was active in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients 50 years of age or older, warranting further evaluation.

"Outcome of patients with AML who are older than 60 years of age remains unsatisfactory, with low remission rates and poor overall survival. We have previously established the activity of clofarabine plus cytarabine in AML relapse," investigators in the United States reported.

"We have now conducted a phase 2 study of clofarabine plus cytarabine in patients aged 50 years or older with previously untreated AML," explained S. Faderl and colleagues, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. "Clofarabine was given at 40 mg/m2 as a 1-hour intravenous infusion for 5 days (days 2 to 6) followed 4 hours later by cytarabine at 1g/m2/d as a 2-hour intravenous infusion for 5 days (days 1 to 5).

"Of 60 patients, 29 (48%) had secondary AML, 30 (50%) had abnormal karyotypes (monosomy 5 and/or 7 in 15 [25%]), and 11 (21%) showed FLT3 abnormalities. The overall response (OR) rate was 60% (52% CR, 8% CRp). Four patients (7%) died during induction. Adverse events were mainly grade 2 or lower and included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, mucositis, skin reactions, liver test abnormalities, and infusion-related facial flushing and headaches. Myelosuppression was common."

The researchers concluded, "Clofarabine plus cytarabine has activity in adult AML, achieving a good CR rate. However, survival does not appear to be improved compared with other regimens. Modifications of this combination in AML therapy of older patients warrant further evaluation."

Faderl and colleagues published their study in Blood (Clofarabine and cytarabine combination as induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients 50 years of age or older. Blood, 2006;108(1):45-51).

For additional information, contact S. Faderl, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dept. of Leukemia, Unit 428, 1400 Holcombe Blvd., POB 301402, Houston, TX 77230, USA.

The publisher of the journal Blood can be contacted at: American Society Hematology, 1900 M Street. NW Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036, USA.

Keywords: Houston, Texas, United States, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Adverse Drug Effect, Adverse Drug Event, Adverse Drug Reaction, Clofarabine, Cytarabine, Cancer Drugs, Geriatrics, Headache and Migraine, Oncology, Pharmaceuticals, Cancer Therapy.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.