A meta-analysis of 749 patients >60 years undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has shown that older age per se should not be the sole criterion against selecting HCT therapy. Pooled estimates of 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival were 58%, 45%, and 38%, respectively. The researchers noted that their analysis of 13 studies controlled for significant publication bias and demonstrated consistency among reports despite differences in patient-, disease-, center-, and transplant-related characteristics. Disease and patient-specific prognostic factors may aid in determining HCT eligibility. They concluded that “correct identification of patients who would benefit from HCT can improve outcomes in this frequently undertreated population.”
Rashidi A, et al. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant