Vol 52, No 4 (2021)
Review article
Published online: 2021-08-31
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia
1
DOI: 10.5603/AHP.2021.0048
Acta Haematol Pol 2021;52(4):245-252.
Abstract
The incidence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) significantly increases with age. Most AML patients are elderly and rarely receive curative treatment. Even those who eventually achieve complete remission have a grim prognosis due to the high risk of relapse. In elderly patients, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) increases the probability of prolonged survival compared to standard treatment. The decision as to whether to refer a patient for transplantation must be preceded by a careful risk assessment based on the patient’s remission status, comorbidities, and type of available donor. Although allo-HSCTs are routinely performed in the seventh decade of life, they are not common in those aged over 70. In recent years, the results of allo-HSCT in the elderly have improved, mainly thanks to refined conditioning regimen techniques and better supportive care. It can be anticipated that with growing data on allogeneic transplants in older AML patients, the proportion of this population among transplant recipients will continue to rise.
Keywords: acute myeloid leukemiaelderly patientsallogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
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