3+7 Combined Chemotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Is It Time to Say Goodbye?
Kenny Tang1, Andre C Schuh1, Karen Wl Yee2
1Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Health Network - Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Avenue, 700 U 6th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada.
Purpose Of Review:
With the recent approval of multiple new drugs for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the relevance of conventional treatment approaches, such as daunorubicin and cytarabine ("3+7") induction chemotherapy, has been challenged. We review the AML risk stratification, the efficacy of the newly approved drugs, and the role of "3+7".
Recent Findings:
Treatment of AML is becoming more niched with specific subtypes more appropriately treated with gemtuzumab, midostaurin, and CPX-351. Although lower intensity therapies can yield high response rates, they are less efficient at preventing relapses. The only curative potential for poor-risk AML is still an allogeneic stem cell transplant. The number of AML subtypes where 3+7 alone is an appropriate therapeutic option is shrinking. However, it remains the backbone for combination therapy with newer agents in patients suitable for intensive chemotherapy.
