Long-Term Outcomes of Myeloablation and Autologous Transplantation of Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Second Remission: A British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry Study

Management of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Review for General Practitioners in Oncology

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy that most frequently develops in older adults. Overall, AML is associated with a high mortality although advancements in genetic risk stratification and new treatments are leading to improvements in outcomes for some subgroups. In this review, we discuss an individualized approach to intensive therapy with a focus on the role of recently approved novel therapies as well as the selection of post-remission therapies for patients in first remission. We discuss the management of patients with relapsed and refractory AML, including the role of targeted treatment and allogeneic stem cell transplant. Next, we review non-intensive treatment for older and unfit AML patients including the use of azacitidine and venetoclax. Finally, we discuss the integration of palliative care in the management of patients with AML.

In haematopoietic SCT for acute leukemia TBI impacts on relapse but not survival: results of a multicentre observational study

The aim of this study was to determine whether parameters related to TBI impacted upon OS and relapse in patients with acute leukemia in CR who underwent haematopoietic SCT (HSCT) in 11 Italian Radiation Oncology Centres. Data were analysed from 507 patients (313 males; 194 females; median age 15 years; 318 with ALL; 188 with AML; 1 case not recorded). Besides 128 autologous transplants, donors included 192 matched siblings, 74 mismatched family members and 113 unrelated individuals. Autologous and allogeneic transplants were analysed separately. Median follow-up was 40.1 months. TBI schedules and HSCT type were closely related. Uni- and multi-variate analyses showed no parameter was significant for OS or relapse in autologous transplantation. Multivariate analysis showed type of transplant and disease impacted significantly on OS in allogeneic transplantation. Disease, GVHD and TBI dose were risk factors for relapse. This analysis illustrates that Italian Transplant Centre use of TBI is in line with international practice. Most Centres adopted a hyperfractionated schedule that is used worldwide (12 Gy in six fractions over 3 days), which appears to have become standard. TBI doses impacted significantly upon relapse rates.

Phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of high-dose continuous infusion cytarabine alone or with laromustine (VNP40101M) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first relapse

Laromustine is a sulfonylhdrazine alkylator with significant antileukemia activity. An international, randomized (2:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to compare complete remission (CR) rates and overall survival (OS) in patients with first relapse acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with laromustine and high-dose cytarabine (HDAC) versus HDAC/placebo. Patients received 1.5 g/m(2) per day cytarabine continuous infusion for 3 days and laromustine 600 mg/m(2) (n = 177) or placebo (n = 86) on day 2. Patients in CR received consolidation with laromustine/HDAC or HDAC/placebo as per initial randomization. After interim analysis at 50% enrollment, the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) expressed concern that any advantage in CR would be compromised by the observed on-study mortality, and enrollment was held. The CR rate was significantly higher for the laromustine/HDAC group (35% vs 19%, P = .005). However, the 30-day mortality rate and median progression-free survival were significantly worse in this group compared with HDAC/placebo (11% vs 2%; P = .016; 54 days vs 34; P = .002). OS and median response durations were similar in both groups. Laromustine/HDAC induced significantly more CR than HDAC/placebo, but OS was not improved due to mortality associated with myelosuppression and its sequelae. The DSMB subsequently approved a revised protocol with laromustine dose reduction and recombinant growth factor support. The study was registered as NCT00112554 at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Acute myelogenous leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease with outcomes dependent upon several factors, including patient age, karyotype, mutational status, and comorbid conditions. For younger patients, approximately 60% to 80% achieve complete remission with standard therapy involving cytarabine and an anthracycline. However, only 20% to 30% have long-term disease-free survival. For adults older than 60 years of age, only 40% to 55% achieve a complete remission, with dismal long-term survival rates. Unfortunately, the median age at diagnosis for AML is 70 years. Significant advances in our understanding of the molecular biology of AML have led to newer therapies that specifically target molecular abnormalities. Examples of such therapies include the immunoconjugate gemtuzumab ozogamicin, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 inhibitors, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, DNA hypomethylating agents, multidrug-resistance inhibitors, BCL-2 inhibitors, antiangiogenesis agents, and various nucleoside analogs. This review summarizes the standard treatments for AML and discusses the role of novel therapies.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in adults with acute myeloid leukemia

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an integral part of the treatment of many patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite extensive study, the appropriate role and timing of allogeneic and autologous transplantation in AML are poorly defined. This review critically analyzes the extensive literature, focusing on the recent advances, and provides practical recommendations for the use of HSCT in AML.

Novel strategies for relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Treatment for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia remains a major challenge for the leukemia community. Although several approaches have been tested in phase II study designs, few comparative data exist to guide treatment choices. We searched the recent literature in Medline, EMBASE and BIOSIS, and abstracts from the American Society of Hematology and American Society of Clinical Oncology published between 2005 and 2007. We reviewed each report to identify studies that used a phase II or III design and that included a majority of adults with non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia described as 'relapsed' or 'refractory'.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several studies utilized novel cytotoxic chemotherapies, immunotherapies, epigenetic agents, and small molecule inhibitors. It is not possible to identify a single regimen or approach as the standard of care in relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia. New and promising approaches are being explored, however.

SUMMARY

Outcomes in patients treated for relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia remain inadequate. Striking a balance between the treatment-related mortality associated with salvage therapies, response rates of salvage regimens, and the likelihood of long-term disease-free survival are critical in planning a treatment approach for the individual patient with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia.