High-dose cytarabine-based consolidation shows superior results for older AML patients with intermediate risk cytogenetics in first complete remission

We evaluated outcomes in two consecutive groups of AML patients age > 60 years in CR after 7 + 3 induction therapy. Group 1 received consolidation with cytarabine 1.5 g/m2 q12 h × 6 + daunorubicin for two cycles, while group 2 received consolidation with 7 + 3 followed by mitoxantrone + etoposide. For patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics, group 1 had a significantly superior DFS (p = 0.046), and a trend toward better OS (p = 0.087). The treatment group remained a significant predictor of DFS on multivariate analysis. The results indicate that a high-dose cytarabine-containing consolidation regimen produces superior outcomes in AML patients age > 60 years with intermediate-risk cytogenetics.