Options for postremission therapy in acute leukemia.
Remission induction therapy for patients with AML results in 65% to 75% CR with 20% prolonged DFS. Postremission therapy increases the incidence of prolonged DFS to more than 60%. Postremission therapy in AML consists of high-dose or intensive chemotherapy with or without BMT. Each therapy has significant toxicity and risk for the patient. Induction therapy for patients with ALL includes systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy with a 70% to 75% CR rate. Maintenance therapy continues for 2 to 3 years, and BMT is indicated for patients with early relapse or certain high-risk factors. Knowledgeable nurses provide much-needed emotional support for patients as they struggle to make the best decision for postremission therapy.
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D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D012008:Recurrence