In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT) in patients with unresponsive acute myeloid leukemia.
This study concluded that alloHSCT is the best treatment option for these patients.
Some background
Patients with unresponsive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are those who fail standard chemotherapy, who relapse within 6 months after first complete remission, and those who have relapsed twice or more. Patients with unresponsive AML usually have poor outcomes. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is one treatment that can be successful for these patients. Allo-HSCT is a procedure where the patient receives blood-forming stem cells from a non-identical donor such as a sister or brother.
It is not known how effective alloHSCT is in unresponsive patients with AML.
Methods & findings
This study involved 91 patients who had unresponsive AML. Patients were treated with alloHSCT or salvage chemotherapy. Patients were followed for an average of 12 months. The 3-year overall survival and 5-year overall survival were estimated.
The 3-year overall survival rate for patients who received alloHSCT was 67%. The 3-year overall survival rate for patients who received only salvage chemotherapy was 12%.
The 5-year overall survival rate for patients who received alloHSCT was 44%. The 5-year overall survival rate for patients who received only salvage chemotherapy was 4%.
83.3% of patients who received alloHSCT obtained complete remission. This was compared to 3.8% of patients who received only salvage chemotherapy.
The bottom line
This study concluded that alloHSCT is the best treatment option for patients with unresponsive AML. Suitably matched donors should be sought for alloHSCT.
The fine print
This study was based on medical records. Soma data might have been incomplete. Further studies are needed.
Published By :
Clinical lymphoma, myeloma & leukemia
Date :
Mar 01, 2019
