Meta-analysis of autologous bone marrow transplantation versus chemotherapy in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first remission

In the present study, we have conducted a meta-analysis comparing autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) and intensive chemotherapy in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients in first remission. Combined results of the six appropriate randomised controlled studies indicate that ABMT had no advantage over chemotherapy or no further treatment concerning death rate (overall rate ratio (RR)-0.95, 95% CI, 0.81-1.11), while was superior to chemotherapy concerning event rate (overall RR--0.82, 95% CI, 0.71-0.94). In conclusion, ABMT did not improve survival but it improved event-free survival (EFS) when compared with chemotherapy or no further treatment in patients with AML in first complete remission.