High-dose cytosine arabinoside intensification for acute nonlymphocytic leukemia in patients over 56 years of age

High-dose cytosine arabinoside in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia

Cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) has earned its recognition as the most important antileukaemic drug currently available for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia. Approximately 60-80% of patients less than 60 years of age can be expected to enter complete remission if treated with standard-dose Ara-C (100-200 mg/m2) in combination with an anthracycline. The efficacy of Ara-C appears clinically to be dose and schedule dependent. A 15-30 fold dose escalation in Ara-C can elicit a therapeutic response in patients who have previously failed treatment with standard-dose Ara-C or other anti-leukaemic drugs. The use of high-dose cytosine arabinoside (HDAC 3 gm/m2) appears rational based on cytosine pharmacology. Drug-scheduling is used to exploit drug synergy when HDAC is given in combination with asparaginase or fludarabine (+/- G-CSF) in a schedule-dependent fashion. Toxicity following Ara-C is also dose- and schedule-dependent. Central nervous system toxicity--particularly cerebellar dysfunction--although rare, is particularly serious because it may preclude further use of the drug. Older patients are particularly susceptible. This article will describe the rationale for and the value of HDAC alone or in combination with other cytotoxics in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia.

Cancer in the elderly

This article reviews geriatric oncology and assesses options for treatment and care of the elderly patient with cancer. The size of the population over 65 years old is defined, with particular reference to the continuing growth of this subsection of the community. The high incidence of many cancers and their associated mortality rates in the elderly are identified and the epidemiology of such diseases in the geriatric population is addressed. Given the discrepancies in incidence and survival rates between patients younger and older than 65 years, the association between tumorigenesis and the aging process is explored. Specific aspects of tumor growth in the elderly are considered. General considerations of therapy for elderly patients with cancer are discussed, including the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chemotherapy in those over 65 years old, surgical options, the use of radiotherapy, and overall patient assessment. Next, treatment options for individual cancer states are reviewed, with particular emphasis on newer treatment options designed specifically for the elderly. Sections on cancer screening and supportive care are also included, the latter dealing with aspects of symptom control, quality of life assessment, and the physical and psychologic rehabilitation of the elderly patient with cancer who is undergoing treatment. Conclusions are then drawn as to the extent of the oncological process in those over 65 years old, with particular emphasis on the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of many malignancies in the past. The challenge created by the growing elderly population is underscored and necessary plans of action for oncologists in the future are defined. Such proposals are necessary if inroads are to be made into the unacceptable morbidity and mortality rates borne by our elderly patients with cancer.