The treatment of acute leukaemia.

Developments in supportive care, new regimens for induction of remission and consolidation therapy, and bone-marrow transplantation have improved the outlook for patients with acute leukaemia. The outlook, though, is influenced by age and factors related to the biology of the disease. In acute myeloid leukaemia age is such an important factor that it determines approach to therapy. Overcoming resistance to chemotherapy is an area that needs much attention.