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Published on: September 18, 2013
Treatment of acute erythroleukemia with Azacitidine: A case series
Francesca Pierdomenico1, Antonio Almeida1
1Serviço de Hematologia, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Francisco Gentil, Lisbon, Portugal.
Abstract:
Acute erythroleukemia (AEL) is a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often associated with a poor prognosis. It is more frequent in elderly patients, limiting the use aggressive therapies. Azacitidine is a hypomethylating agent with recognized efficacy in high risk myelodysplasia and AML in the elderly. Here we report 5 cases of AEL treated with Azacitidine. The cohort included 4 men and 1 woman, median age 70. One patient had been refractory to intensive chemotherapy, the others received Azacitidine as first line. Treatment was well tolerated. Four patients achieved transfusion independence. Two patients achieved complete remission and 1 achieved partial remission. After a median follow up time of 20 months, the median survival of the cohort was 20 months. Three patients died of disease progression. These results confirm the therapeutic value of Azacitidine in AEL.
Insights
Azacitidine shows promise in treating acute erythroleukemia (AEL), a rare leukemia subtype. This study found Azacitidine well-tolerated and effective in elderly patients, with significant remission and survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Acute erythroleukemia (AEL) is a rare subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a generally poor prognosis.
- Elderly patients often have limited treatment options due to comorbidities and reduced tolerance to intensive chemotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Azacitidine in patients with AEL.
- To assess treatment response, transfusion independence, and survival outcomes in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 5 AEL patients treated with Azacitidine.
- Analysis of treatment tolerance, response rates (complete remission, partial remission), transfusion independence, and overall survival.
Main Results:
- Treatment was well-tolerated in all patients.
- Four out of five patients achieved transfusion independence.
- Two patients achieved complete remission, and one achieved partial remission.
- Median survival was 20 months, with three deaths due to disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Azacitidine demonstrates therapeutic value and tolerability in elderly patients with AEL.
- This hypomethylating agent offers a viable treatment option for AEL, including in cases refractory to chemotherapy.
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