Relationship between baseline white blood cell count and renal and hepatic function in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Background: In a phase III trial, older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (N=485) received decitabine or treatment choice (supportive care or cytarabine). This post hoc analysis examined whether baseline renal and hepatic function and white blood cell (WBC) counts predicted response. Methods: Baseline WBCs and renal and liver function markers were tabulated for responders/nonresponders. Results: Nonresponders had higher mean baseline creatinine (P=0.005). Creatinine data showed no significant between-group differences by treatment within responder category. Conclusions: No relationship was found between baseline WBCs or hepatic function and response. Higher baseline creatinine in nonresponders may not be clinically relevant.