In this installment of the “How I treat” series in Blood, the authors discuss the highly heterogeneous clinical biology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) among patients and how those variations are relevant for prognosis and treatment choice. Focusing on treatment decisions for older patients with AML, the authors note that these patients are often compromised by comorbid conditions and an enhanced susceptibility to toxicities from therapy. Four clinical vignettes highlighting distinct representative situations derived from clinical practice are presented and discussed with an emphasis on treating older patients with leukemia. The authors review the clinical significance of various cytogenetic and molecular features of AML, and examine the various currently available treatment options as well as the emerging prognostic algorithms that may offer guidance in regard to personalized therapy recommendations.
Review: How I Treat the Older Patient with AML
Jan 2015