Delaying therapy in Pts age ≥ 65 with untreated AML
6560 186 pts age ≥ 65 with untreated normal karyotype AML given ara-C-containing Rx at MDA from 1996–2005 had course 1(C1) CR and death rates of 57% and 13%, while in 133 pts with abnormalities of chromosomes 5 and/or 7 (−5/−7) the C1 CR rate was essentially identical to the C1 death rate (30% and 27%). Knowledge of cytogenetics, while thus valuable in planning Rx, may not be available for ≥ 1 week after presentation, raising questions as to the advisability of waiting this long to begin Rx. We previously reported a multivariate analysis in 197 pts, median age 64 and with presenting WBC < 50,000, given idarubicin + ara-C for untreated AML at M.D. Anderson between 2001- and 2004, finding that the independent predictors of CR were age and cytogenetics but not the number of days from MDA presentation to MDA Rx (Estey et al. 2004 ASH meeting,abstract #879). Because Rx was delayed for > 1 week in only small numbers of older pts we now extend these observations to 684 pts age ≥ 65 with untreated AML and presenting WBC < 50,000 given induction Rx (± ara-C) at MDA since 1996. Time from MDA presentation to Rx was < 1 week in 423, 1–2 weeks in 126, 2 weeks-1 month in 80, and > 1 month in 55. This time was not affected by age, bilirubin, creatinine, or by whether induction Rx contained ara-C. However, 7% of pts Rxed within 2 weeks of diagnosis had performance status 3–4 vs. only 1% of pts Rxed after a delay of > 14 days (p = 0.008), leading us to limit analysis to pts with performance status 0–2. Results were as follows: Although CR rates were higher, results were qualitatively similar considering only pts given ara-C-containing Rx. Recognizing the potential influence of unrecorded covariates, the data suggest that delay of Rx in pts age ≥ 64 with untreated AML, WBC count < 50,000, and performance status < 3 does not affect outcome of induction therapy, a possibility given more credence by the several days that elapse between diagnosis of AML by referring physicians and MDA presentation. Delaying Rx allows knowledge of cytogenetic status, thus permitting investigational Rx, or supportive care only, to be directed to pts with -5/-7. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.