In a nutshell
This study wanted to assess the safety and effectiveness of high dose mitoxantrone (Novantrone) in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Researchers found that mitoxantrone is safe and effective in these patients.
Some background
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the bone marrow. It leads to abnormal immune cells. It is often treated with powerful chemotherapy. In elderly patients, however, these powerful treatments can cause life-threatening side effects. It is important to research the safety and effectiveness of treatment option for these patients.
Methods & findings
101 patients with AML were included in this study. Patients received high dose cytarabine (Cytosar-U) once daily for 5 days. High dose mitoxantrone was given on day 2. Patients were followed up for an average of 62 months.
The overall response rate was 76.2%. Of these, 61% proceeded to have a stem cell transplant. The 5-year overall survival (patients alive 5 years later) for all patients was 37%. 19% of patients experienced heart problems after treatment.
The bottom line
The study concluded that mitoxantrone-based chemotherapy was safe and effective in the treatment of patients with AML.
The fine print
A small sample size may affect results. There was no control group to compare treatments.
Published By :
American Journal of Hematology
Date :
Nov 12, 2018
