PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Improving or replacing the traditional induction (3 + 7) and consolidation (high-dose cytarabine; Ara-C) as the standard of care for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has proved disappointing.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have raised the possibility that daunorubicin dose escalation might have the potential to improve survival. Antibody-directed therapy by means of gemtuzumab ozogamicin as an adjunct to induction chemotherapy may yet be a viable option in older patients, and alternative nucleoside analogues in induction could help higher risk subgroups. In consolidation, the number of courses and dose level of Ara-C required are being clarified. New treatments for older patients who will not be subjected to conventional chemotherapy are an active area, but randomized trials have not yet usurped low-dose Ara-C (LDAC).

SUMMARY

Recent information in these areas is reviewed.