A Prospective Multi-Center Trial Shows Reduction of Early Deaths (ED) and Improved Survival in Elderly Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) Patients (>60 years). Results of Using a Simplified Treatment Algorithm and Expert Support in Georgia, South Carolina and Neighboring States

Background: APL is the most curable leukemia with reported survival above 90% in many large co-operative group studies. These excellent outcomes are not seen in elderly patients where early deaths in trials are 10-18%. Population based registry data shows that ED rate in elderly APL patients is even higher with reported incidence of 24-50%. We conducted a prospective trial using a set of simplified treatment guidelines along with support from a dedicated team of APL experts. Herein, we report outcomes of patients >60 years treated within the prospective trial. We compared these to our institutional experience prior to implementation of the trial.