Treatment of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia in elderly patients: a prospective study of intensive chemotherapy.

Twenty-seven patients over 60 years of age with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) were prospectively treated with one of three intensive chemotherapeutic regimens. Complete remissions were achieved in eight patients (30%). Remissions were obtained in seven of 14 patients (50%) age 61 to 70 years, but in only one of 13 patients (8%) 71 years and older. The most effective regimen in patients 61 to 70 years consisted of a combination of daunorubicin and cytosine arabinoside. The median duration of remission for all eight responders is 9+ months and their median survival is 14+ months. Intensive therapy is indicated in the elderly patient 61 to 70 years of age with ANLL.