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Approach to the Older Patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This study aims to review the challenges of treating AML in older patients, the spectrum of genomic aberrancies in this cohort, and discuss treatment options for newly diagnosed AML in this patient population.

Recent Findings

Greater understanding of biological underpinnings of AML and availability of newer, effective, targeted therapies have allowed us to move away from intensification of chemotherapy, to prioritize better tolerability while still maintaining efficacy.

Summary

Increasing knowledge of the genomic complexity and adverse karyotypes in older AML patients drives the need for ongoing investigations of targeted and lower-intensity therapies in the frontline, relapsed/refractory setting, and post-remission.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA

    Markie Zimmer

  2. Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Box 428, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Tapan Kadia

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Correspondence to Tapan Kadia.

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Conflict of Interest

Markie Zimmer declares no conflict of interest. Tapan Kadia has received grants or contracts from AbbVie, Amgen, Ascentage, Astella, Astex, AstraZeneca, BMS, Celgene, Cellenkos, Cyclacel, Delta-Fly Pharma, Genfleet, Genentech, Glycomimetrics, Iterion, Janssen, Jazz, Pfizer, Pulmotect, Regeneron, Sellas; consulting fees from Abbvie, Agios, Daiichi Sankyo, Genentech, Genzyme, Jazz, Liberum, Novartis, Pfizer, PinotBio, Pulmotect, Sanofi-Aventis; and payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing or educational events from Genzyme.

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Zimmer, M., Kadia, T. Approach to the Older Patient with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Curr Oncol Rep 25, 1203–1211 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-023-01450-0

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