Prolonged survival in acute myelogenous leukaemia without maintenance chemotherapy

46 adults with previously untreated acute myelogenous leukaemia who achieved complete remission with 6-thioguanine, cytarabine, and daunorubicin (TAD) received two courses of intensive consolidation chemotherapy. The first cycle consisted of 5-azacytidine and doxorubicin followed by a second consolidation cycle with TAD. Maintenance chemotherapy was not administered. Median remission duration was 14 months and 26% (95% confidence interval, 11%-41%) remained in continuous remission at 5 years. Actuarial 5 year survival was 31% (+/- 15%). Results were most favourable in patients who achieved complete remission within 60 days of chemotherapy being initiated. These data indicate that prolonged disease-free survival can be achieved in patients treated with intensive induction and consolidation treatment alone without maintenance chemotherapy.