Adult acute leukemia. The Rochester (NY) Experience

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A 10 yr retrospective study of adult acute leukemia was performed in nonleukemia specialized centers to determine prognostic factors, length and quality of survival, cause of death and response to different modes of therapy. Of 200 patients, 9.5% achieved complete remission, 14.0% obtained partial remission, and no response was present in 76.5%. Patients who were 50 yr old or more (64.5%) had a significantly lower response rate (P < .005) and survival (P < .05) than the younger age group. Aggressive chemotherapy significantly improved the response rate, as well as survival (P < .001). Quality of life was similar for responders and nonresponders, both spending only 1/4 of their survival time in the hospital. Infection was the leading cause of death. The overall 10 yr response rate of 23.5% represents a realistic rate in nonleukemia specialized centers in which the treatment of adult acute leukemia is variable.