Purpose of review: Despite the fact that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is most common in older adults aged at least 60 years, curative therapy remains elusive in this population. Here we examine the data for predicting which patients are candidates for 'curative therapy', available therapeutic options, and the utilization of reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation in first remission.
Recent findings: Incorporation of geriatric assessment tools to assess patient frailty, in addition to evaluation of comorbid conditions, improves patient selection for intense therapy. The majority of patients eligible for and treated with induction chemotherapy achieve complete remission, and overall survival in the older AML population is superior after allogeneic stem cell transplant. However, population-based studies continue to demonstrate the undertreatment or lack of treatment of older AML patients.
Summary: New patient assessment tools, ability to offer more successful outcomes after induction chemotherapy, and improved survival after allogeneic transplantation has not yet translated to increased 'curative' treatment on a population level of older AML patients. It is critical that the tools and therapies available be put into practice while older patient enrollment in well designed therapeutic clinical trials which include the option of allogeneic transplantation is increased.