Prognostic significance of age and karyotype in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia: results at our center

INTRODUCTION: Treatment outcome in patients with acute myeloid leukemia are determined by prognostic factors. AIM AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and December 2001 160 patients were treated with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia. Treatment results were analysed according to the age and cytogenetics. Different types of induction and postremission protocols were applied. The median age was 42.2 +/- 12.8 (16-60) years. RESULTS: Complete remission was reached in 113 (70.6%) patients. 25/160 (15.6%) individuals were refractory to treatment, 22/160 (13.8%) patients died within one month. One hundred and ten out of 113 who went into remission were given postremission therapy. Twelve out of 50 relapsed patients achieved a second complete remission. The complete remission rate and cumulative survival of patients below the age of forty years were significantly higher than of those above the age of 40 years. Four fifths of refractory patients as well as nearly all patients with secondary leukemia were older than 40 years. Similarly to studies published in the literature, the expected survival was the best in patients who had a favourable cytogenetics. In contrast, all patients who fell into the unfavourable cytogenetic group died within three years. Intensification of the postremission treatment resulted in an improved survival. CONCLUSION: Classification of acute myeloid leukemia and careful determination of prognostic factors are necessary at the time of diagnosis. This predicts outcome, as well as provides means for application of individualized therapy.