Quality of life beyond 6 months after diagnosis in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia

Although intensive chemotherapy may improve survival in older people with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) without adverse cytogenetics, its impact on quality of life (QOL) is mixed and most patients complain of fatigue up to 6 months after diagnosis. Little information is available on longer-term QOL outcomes. We prospectively followed 20 patients age 60 or older with AML who provided QOL data more than 6 months after diagnosis. Over the first 6 months, there were clinically important improvements in global health, role function, social function, and emotional function. Physical function and cognitive function were stable over time. Over the next 6 months, social function and fatigue improved, and other domains remained stable. Achievement of complete remission appeared to be associated with improvements in global health, physical function, and role function without negatively affecting other health domains. This information may aid discussions with patients about treatment.