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. Cancer 40:647–652, 1977.