Scientists claimed that attitude toward remission induction (RI) for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) influenced survival

09-07-2006

According to recent research from Sweden, "Combination chemotherapy may induce remission from AML, but validated criteria for treatment of elderly are lacking. The RI rate for elderly patients, as reported to the Swedish Leukemia Registry, was known to be different when comparing the 6 health care regions, but the consequences of different management are unknown."

"The Leukemia Registry, containing 1672 AML patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2001, with 98% coverage and a median follow-up of 4 years, was completed with data from the compulsory cancer and population registries. Among 506 treated and untreated patients aged 70-79 years with AML (non-APL), there was a direct correlation between the RI rate in each health region (range 36-76%) and the 2-year overall survival, with no censored observations (6-21%) (chi2=11.3, p<.001; r2=.86, p<.02, nonparametric)," explained G. Juliusson and colleagues, Lund University.

"A 1-month landmark analysis showed significantly better survival in regions with higher RI rates (p=.003). Differences could not be explained by demographics, and was found in both de novo and secondary leukemias. The 5-year survival of the overall population aged 70-79 years was similar between the regions."

The researchers concluded, "Survival of 70-79-year-old AML patients is better in regions where more elderly patients are judged eligible for remission induction."

Juliusson and colleagues published their study in Leukemia (Attitude towards remission induction for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia influences survival. Leukemia, 2006;20(1):42-47).

For additional information, contact G. Juliusson, Lund University, Stem Cell Center, BMC B10, SE-22185 Lund, Sweden.

Keywords: Lund, Sweden, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Chemotherapy, Elderly, Epidemiology, Geriatrics, Oncology, Palliation, Population Based, Remission Induction, Attitude, Cancer Survival.

This article was prepared by Anti-Infectives Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Anti-Infectives Week via NewsRx.com.