In a nutshell
This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of adding lomustine (Gleostine) to chemotherapy in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in patients aged over 60. Researchers found that this treatment improved outcomes for elderly patients with AML.
Some background
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the bone marrow. This can lead to abnormal immune cells. It is often treated with chemotherapy and drugs that damage cancer cells. Elderly patients usually have poorer outcomes. It is important to research different medications in the treatment of AML for these patients.
Methods & findings
424 patients with AML over the age of 60 were included in the study. 209 patients received lomustine with idarubicin (Idamycin) and cytarabine (Cytosar-U) (ICL group). The other 215 patients received idarubicin and cytarabine alone (IC group). Patients were followed for an average of 2 years.
74.9% of the IC group had no signs of cancer after treatment (complete response) compared to 84.7% of the ICL group. Overall survival after 2-years was 48% in the IC group compared to 56% of the ICL group. More patients in the IC group experienced a relapse at 2 years (60.3%) compared to the ICL group (40.2%).
Serious side effects were more common in the ICL group (53%) compared with the IC group (40.9%).
The bottom line
The study concluded that adding lomustine to chemotherapy was effective in the treatment of AML in patients aged over 60.
What’s next?
Discuss with your doctor about your treatment plan for AML.
Published By :
Journal of clinical oncology
Date :
Sep 27, 2018
