Patient age has no significant impact on survival, according to results of a retrospective study of 151 patients aged ≥60 undergoing reduced-intensity allogeneic HCT with related and unrelated donors between 2000 and 2012. Median age of patients was 66 years, and at a median follow up of 38 months, 3-year overall survival (OS) was 42%. OS trended higher in patients >65 years compared to those aged 60-65 years: 50% vs. 34%, respectively (p=0.060). Younger donors (<50 years) led to significantly higher OS compared to older donors (>50 years): 53% vs. 30%, respectively (p=0.017). The authors concluded that older age alone has no negative impact on the outcome of allogeneic HCT and that transplant decisions should be tailored to disease risk and patient performance status rather than age.
Federmann B, et al. Bone Marrow Transplant