Oral induction and consolidation chemotherapy with idarubicin and etoposide in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Exploring tolerable regimes for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in elderly patients is of interest. Twenty-two adults over 70 years of age with AML were treated with an oral schedule of idarubicin (30 mg/m 2 /d) and etoposide (45 mg/m 2 /d) for three consecutive days. Seven (32%) achieved complete remission, seven (32%) showed absolute resistance and eight (36%) died. The survival probability one year after diagnosis was 14%. Results are comparable to those described for standard intravenous regimens.