Key clinical point: Salvage chemotherapy with a combination of fludarabine, cytarabine, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and mitoxantrone (Mito-FLAG) was effective and well-tolerated in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, consolidation with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is essential for long-term disease-free survival.
Major finding: Overall, 56.1% and 19.7% of patients achieved complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete hematologic recovery and partial remission, respectively. The median overall survival (OS), 30-day mortality, and 60-day mortality were 13 (95% CI 10.2-15.8) months, 4.5%, and 7.6%, respectively. The median OS was superior in patients who underwent allo-HSCT (75.8%) vs. those who did not (17 months vs. 3 months; P < .001).
Study details: This retrospective study included 66 patients with R/R AML receiving Mito-FLAG treatment followed up for a median duration of 54 months.
Disclosures: This study did not receive any funding other than Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL. The authors declared no conflict of interests.
Source: Mühleck R et al. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2021 Oct 5. doi: 10.1007/s00432-021-03821-1.