High-dose cytarabine-based consolidation shows superior results for older AML patients with intermediate risk cytogenetics in first complete remission.

We evaluated outcomes in two consecutive groups of AML patients age>60 years in CR after 7+3 induction therapy. Group 1 received consolidation with cytarabine 1.5g/m(2) q12h×6+daunorubicin for two cycles, while group 2 received consolidation with 7+3 followed by mitoxantrone+etoposide. For patients with intermediate-risk cytogenetics, group 1 had a significantly superior DFS (p=0.046), and a trend toward better OS (p=0.087). The treatment group remained a significant predictor of DFS on multivariate analysis. The results indicate that a high-dose cytarabine-containing consolidation regimen produces superior outcomes in AML patients age>60 years with intermediate-risk cytogenetics.