Autologous bone marrow transplantation following high dose chemotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with acute myeloid leukaemia

24 adult patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) were treated with intensive chemotherapy followed by autologous marrow rescue. The procedure was repeated twice in eight patients. 11 of 16 patients treated in first remission continue in first unmaintained remission (9-54 months, median 17 months). Eight patients treated at relapse or second remission have relapsed again and died within 14 months of their first autologous bone marrow transplant (ABMT). This form of intensification therapy would appear valuable for adult AML patients in first remission.