End-of-life care for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is less than optimal, according to a population-based, retrospective cohort study involving more than 13,000 individuals. Participants were ≥66 years of age at diagnosis, and died prior to 2013. Investigators looked at hospice care patterns and use of aggressive treatment. Among the results:

• Among nearly 5,900 patients in hospice, 47% were enrolled in the last week and 29% in the last 3 days of life.
• 62% of patients who transferred in and out of hospice care received transfusions outside hospice.
• Males and nonwhites were less likely to enroll in hospice and more likely to receive chemotherapy or be admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at the end of life.
• Older patients were less likely to receive chemotherapy or have ICU admission, and were more likely to enroll in hospice.