Acute myeloid leukemia remission induction

The general approach to the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia has consisted of an anthracycline, usually daunorubicin, and cytarabine induction regimen followed by an intensive post-remission therapy phase most frequently comprising high dose... 

Idarubicin is a semisynthetic anthracycline glycoside analog of daunorubicin and is approved for use in combination with cytarabine for induction therapy of acute myeloid leukemia. When combined with cytarabine, idarubicin appears to be more active than daunorubicin in producing complete remissions and in improving survival in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. 

Is there a superior anthracycline to use as part of the induction regimen for acute myeloid leukemia Some clinicians believe that idarubicin is superior in attaining a complete remission following one cycle of induction compared to alternative an-thracyclinesor anthracenediones. Randomized trials in the elderly show similar remission rates with all anthracyclines and anthracenediones. Whether there is a difference in younger patients remains to be seen. 

Lowenberg B, Zittoun R, Kerkhofs H, et al. On the value of intensive remission-induction chemotherapy in elderly patients of 65 + years with acute myeloid leukemia a randomized phase III study of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Leukemia Group. J Clin Oncol 1989 7 1268-1274. 

Heil G, Hoelzer D, Sanz MA, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III study of filgrastim in remission induction and consolidation therapy for adults with de novo acute myeloid leukemia. The International Acute Myeloid Leukemia Study Group. Blood 1997 90 4710-4718. 

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