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Stem-Cell Transplantation in Older Patients

Studying survival in patients aged > 60 years

Publish date:: November 4, 2015

Reduced-intensity stem-cell transplantation (SCT) is a viable treatment option for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), according to meta-analysis of data from 749 patients with AML and age > 60 years. Researchers found:

• Pooled estimates for relapse-free survival were 62% at 6 months, 47% at 1 year, 44% at 2 years, and 38% at 3 years.

• Pooled estimates for overall survival were 73% at 6 months, 58% at 1 year, 45% at 2 years, and 38% at 3 years.

• Publication bias was not evident, except that there appeared to be a relative lack of small studies with high relapse rates.

• Sensitivity analysis did not show an overtly influential study for primary endpoints except 1 study in 2-year relapse-free survival rates.

Citation: Rashidi A, Ebadi M, Colditz GA, DiPersio JF. Outcomes of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [Published online ahead of print October 31, 2015]. Biol Blood Marrow Trans. doi: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2015.10.019.

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