In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between time from diagnosis to treatment start and outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
This study concluded that time from diagnosis to treatment is not related to survival in these patients.
Some background
Untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has poor outcomes. Because of this, immediate treatment start is recommended for patients with newly diagnosed AML. However, it was unknown if the time from diagnosis to treatment start (TDT) influences the outcomes for patients with AML.
Methods & findings
This study involved 2263 patients with AML. The influence of TDT on remission, early death, and overall survival (OS) was analyzed. Patients were split into groups based on TDT; 0-5 days, 6-10 days, 11-15 days, and greater than 15 days. Patients were treated with an intensive induction treatment and were followed for an average of 42 months.
The average TDT was 3 days. Complete remission (CR; cancer can no longer be detected) was achieved by 78% of all patients. 79% of the 0-5 group achieved CR compared to 76% of the 6-10 group, 72% of the 11-15 group, and 77% of the more than 15 days group.
The 2-year OS rate was 51% for the 0-5 group and 48% for the 6-10 group. The 2-year OS rate was 44% for the 11-15 group and 50% for the greater than 15 days group. Age and initial white blood cell levels did not influence the OS between TDT groups.
The bottom line
This study concluded that TDT is not related to survival in AML patients. It was also concluded that it may be better to wait for test genetic and other test results in order to choose the best available treatment option.
Published By :
Blood
Date :
Jun 04, 2020
