Higher Cumulative Cytarabine Consolidation Improves Survival in Older Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

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Abstract
Background: Post-remission cytarabine consolidation is a cornerstone of therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but the optimal dosing strategy in older adults (≥60 years) remains unclear. High-dose cytarabine (HiDAC) is often avoided due to toxicity concerns, and data guiding cumulative dosing are limited. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of 111 patients aged ≥60 years with AML who achieved complete remission after standard 7 + 3 induction and received at least one cycle of cytarabine consolidation between 2012 and 2024. A 90-day landmark analysis excluded early relapses or deaths. Results: The median age was 65 years; 41% proceeded to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Cytarabine consolidation was well tolerated, with no neurotoxicity and only one instance of reversible nephrotoxicity. Patients were stratified by median cumulative cytarabine dose into low-intensity (2, LIC) and high-intensity (≥18 g/m2, HIC) groups. HIC was associated with improved overall survival compared with LIC (median OS: 31 vs. 13 months, p = 0.02), particularly among non-transplanted patients (25 vs. 7 months, p = 0.01). On multivariable analysis, HIC (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51–0.82, p = 0.01) and allo-SCT (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.44–0.79, p = 0.03) independently predicted superior survival. Conclusions: Higher cumulative cytarabine consolidation is safe, feasible, and associated with improved survival in older AML patients, especially among patients ineligible for transplant. Prospective studies are warranted to define the optimal dosing strategy in this population.

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