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Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Update on Upfront Therapy in Elderly Patients

  • Geriatric Oncology (AR MacKenzie, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) disproportionately impacts elderly patients. Treating elderly patients with AML has been a challenge due to the increased prevalence of medical comorbidities and decreased performance status in this population, as well as the different biology of AML in elderly patients.

Recent Findings

The care of elderly patients with AML has advanced significantly over the past few years. Our greater understanding of the biology of AML in elderly patients has led to the development of novel, lower-intensity treatment options. We present here a review of the most recent literature regarding therapeutic options available to older patients, as well as tools to help identify the right treatment for the right patient.

Summary

As targeted and lower-intensity treatment options become available, develo** an approach to “right size” therapy for individual elderly patients is paramount.

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Correspondence to Gina Keiffer.

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Gina Keiffer declares that she has no conflict of interest.

Neil Palmisiano has received research funding support from AbbVie.

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Keiffer, G., Palmisiano, N. Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Update on Upfront Therapy in Elderly Patients. Curr Oncol Rep 21, 71 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-019-0823-1

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