Long-term follow-up of Cancer and Leukemia Group B studies in acute myeloid leukemia
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C A Schiffer1, R Dodge, R A Larson
1Greenebaum Cancer Center (formerly University of Maryland Cancer Center), Baltimore, USA.
Background:
During the past 3 decades, the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) has conducted numerous large clinical trials in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
Methods:
Updated data were obtained for 9 trials initiated by the CALGB between 1974 and 1992. The updated data were compared with the original published results.
Results:
It was apparent from all the studies that hazard rates for death and relapse are greatest in the first year, decrease substantially between Years 1 and 2, then decrease further between Years 2 and 3. Rates of death and relapse are quite low after 3-4 years. Large numbers of patients are long-term disease free survivors. Overall, these patients have excellent function and a normal quality of life.
Conclusions:
Patients with AML who are in complete remission for 3-4 years can be assured that late relapse and death are relatively uncommon events. It is inadvisable to publish results of large studies until this minimal level of follow-up has been reached.