Acute myeloid leukemia: How to treat the fit patient over age 75?

Abstract

Survival rates for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) older than 75 years are still quite dismal. Recent approvals, therefore, of two agents specifically to treat older patients-glasdegib and venetoclax-have created excitement among the medical community. Clinical data, particularly complete response (CR) rates and CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi), look quite promising and are reviewed here. Yet the question remains whether fit elderly patients should receive combination therapy containing the newer agents, particularly since intensive chemotherapy remains the only treatment that has demonstrated the ability to achieve long-term disease-free survival.

Keywords: AML; Acute myeloid leukemia; Elderly; Glasdegib; Venetoclax.