In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate the outcomes for pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with the MASPORE 2006 protocol.
This study concluded that this treatment protocol provided improved outcomes for these patients when compared to earlier treatment protocols.
Some background
From 1997 to 2006, children diagnosed with AML were treated based on the United Kingdom Medical Research Council (MRC) AML12 protocol. From 2007 onwards, the MalaysiaeSingapore AML protocol (MASPORE 2006) was introduced. These protocols differ in terms of risk group stratification (high risk, low risk), lower anthracycline doses (chemotherapy), and earlier stem cell transplants for those with high-risk AML.
It was unknown if the outcomes were improved for pediatric patients with AML patients who received the MASPORE 2006 treatment compared to earlier protocols.
Methods & findings
This study involved 62 patients with AML under the age of 18. 36 patients were treated with the AML12 protocol of and 26 were treated with the MASPORE 2006 protocol.
The 10-year overall survival (OS) rate was 88% for the MASPORE group compared to 50.1% for the AML12 group. The survival rate without complications from the AML at 10 years was 72.1% for the MASPORE group compared to 50.1% for the AML12 group.
The intensive care admission rate was 11.5% for the MASPORE group compared to 47.2% for the AML12 group. Also, fewer patients in the MASPORE group relapsed (26.9%) compared to 50% in the AML12 group.
The bottom line
This study concluded that pediatric patients with AML patients treated with the MASPORE 2006 protocol had better outcomes than those treated with the earlier AML12 protocol. Improvements were seen in long-term survival rates and reduced intensive care unit admission rates.
The fine print
This study had a very small number of participants. Also, patients were not randomly assigned to one group.
Published By :
Clinical lymphoma, myeloma & leukemia
Date :
Mar 01, 2021
