Comparison of survival. Chemotherapeutically treated and untreated older patient with acute myeloid leukemia.

Survival of older patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia treated with chemotherapy was compared with those given only supportive care. The treated group was younger and had better survival. The benefits which measure in months must be balanced against socioeconomic cost, toxicity of therapy, patient wishes, and evolving information about the standards of management in the older leukemia patient.