what is the prognosis and treatment for AML in a
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents a significant challenge in elderly patients, such as a 90-year-old woman, both in prognosis and treatment.
Prognosis
Age greatly influences the prognosis for AML. Research indicates that older adults, particularly those aged 60 and above, experience considerably lower survival rates compared to younger patients. Studies reveal that the 3-year survival rate for individuals aged 60 years and older is about 9-10%, with a 5-year survival dropping to between 3-8% in this demographic. More specifically, for AML patients who are over 90 years old, treatment outcomes may vary significantly. A case reported in literature described a 91-year-old patient who achieved a complete response and maintained a good quality of life for 10 months after treatment with decitabine.
Treatment Options
Treatment for AML in elderly patients can be complex. Standard treatment modalities, including intensive chemotherapy, may be well-tolerated in patients up to 80 years old, and recent studies suggest that patients over 80 can also respond well to established therapies. It has been suggested that the standard of care for AML remains safe and may extend survival for older adults, with research contributing positive results for those treated aggressively.
Alternatives like targeted therapies, including immunotherapies, have shown potential in managing AML more effectively in older populations. In scenarios where intensive approaches are not ideal due to the patient's overall health or comorbidities, less intense treatment regimens, such as low-dose chemotherapy or therapy with agents like decitabine, may be more appropriate.
Conclusion
Overall, while prognosis for a 90-year-old woman with AML may be guarded due to age-related factors affecting treatment response and survival rates, there are therapeutic options available that can lead to meaningful responses and improvements in quality of life. Close monitoring and individualized treatment plans are crucial in managing such cases.
For further details on these topics, you may refer to the following links:
- Acute myeloid leukemia in very old patients - PMC
- Survival for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a population ...
- Older Adults with Aggressive Blood Cancer are Responsive to ...
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia In Patient Over 90 Years Old
- What is the survival rate for acute myeloid leukemia in the elderly?
- Full article: Elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia who only ...
- Leukemia in Older Adults: Symptoms, Types, and Prognosis
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