Improved results in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia - Results of study AML-BFM-93 in East Germany with comparisons to the preceding studies AML-I-82 and AML-II-87

Background: Three multicenter studies were conducted in East Germany on the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia in children. The latest of the three studies (AML-BFM-93-OST) was part of the common German study AML-BFM-93. Pa tients and Methods:,The total number of registered patients was 262. The nu mber and dosage of administered chemotherapeutic agents was elevated with e ach new study. Results: Both the remission rate (85%) and the likelihood of an event free survival (52% after 5 years) could be improved significantly in study AML-BFM-93-OST. The results of the common German study AML-BFM-93 were identical to those of the East German part AML-BFM-93-OST. Compared w ith international studies it was one of the most successful treatment strat egies in children with AML. Patients who showed toxic side effects to heart , liver, kidneys, skin or nervous system during the chemotherapy had a sign ificantly lower risk of relapse, once they overcame the intensive therapy. During the five years of study AML-BFM-93-OST, treatment results could be i mproved despite an unchanged therapy strategy. This may partly be due to th e modernisations and restorations that were carried out in many East German hospitals in this time. Conclusions: The therapy regimen of study AML-BFM- 93 allowed a substantial improvement in the treatment of children with AML. Further intensification of chemotherapy should only be undertaken in accor dance to the individual sensitivity of each patient.