In a nutshell
This study wanted to assess the effectiveness of using azacitidine (Vidaza) after chemotherapy to maintain response to treatment in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Researchers found that azacitidine improves survival without disease in these patients.
Some background
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the immune system. It is intensively treated with strong chemotherapy. Azacitidine is a chemotherapy drug which stops cancer cells from growing and dividing. It is not known if adding this treatment is effective in maintaining remission in patients with AML.
Methods & findings
116 patients who had a complete response (disappearance of all signs of cancer) after intensive chemotherapy were included in this study. 56 patients received azacitidine maintenance after achieving remission. 60 patients were only observed after achieving remission. Survival without signs of disease and overall survival were measured.
Survival without disease was 64% at 12 months for the azacitidine group compared to 42% in the observation group. There was a 38% higher chance of survival without disease in the azacitidine group compared to the observation group. There was no difference in the overall survival rate between the two groups. Rescue treatment was more commonly used in the observation group (32 patients) than in the azacitidine maintenance (9 patients).
Side effects were mild and they were similar between the two groups.
The bottom line
The study concluded that azacitidine maintenance was effective in the treatment of patients with AML after intensive chemotherapy.
The fine print
A small sample size may impact the results. Further studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this treatment.
Published By :
Blood
Date :
Jan 10, 2019
