Do cytogenetics affect the post-remission strategy for older patients with AML in CR1?

Data have shown that intensified cytarabine in consolidation for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) does not equally benefit patients older than 60 years, and older patients experience significantly more neurotoxicity than younger patients. In addition, older patients are more likely to have abnormal or unfavorable cytogenetics, which also tend to confer limited efficacy with intensified cytarabine. This poses a treatment dilemma as to the best post remission therapy to treat older patients. This review explores some of the consolidation treatment strategies and options available for the older AML patient.