In a nutshell
This study aimed to compare the outcomes of allogeneic stem cell transplant from sibling matched donors and unrelated donors in primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia patients.
This study concluded that the donor type did not impact the outcomes for primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia patients.
Some background
Primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia (PRF-AML) occurs when abnormal myeloblasts are produced. Myeloblasts are a type of white blood cell that produce other cells. Abnormal myeloblasts cannot produce healthy cells. Lack of healthy cells can lead to a weak immune system, infection and bleeding.
An allogeneic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is an alternative treatment option for PRF-AML. It involves taking stem cells from a matching donor and putting them into the PRF-AML patient. Stem cells can produce any cell type and help to restore the immune system.
It was not known if matched sibling donors or unrelated donors would provide the best outcomes for PRF-AML patients.
Methods & findings
This study involved 1041 patients who underwent HSCT between 2000 and 2013. 63.4% of these patients received stem cells from matched sibling donors (MSD) and 36.6% received stem cells from unrelated donors (UD).
Leukemia-free survival at two years was 25.3% for the MSD group compared to 28.3% for the UD group.
The overall survival at two years was 30.9% for the MSD group compared to 34.3% for the UD group.
Greater time from diagnosis to transplant was associated with lower leukemia-free survival rates. A high-performance status was associated with higher leukemia-free survival.
The bottom line
This study concluded that the donor type for HSCT did not impact the outcomes for PRF-AML patients.
What’s next?
Consult your physician about HSCT as an alternative treatment option.
Published By :
Journal of hematology & oncology
Date :
Jun 24, 2017
