Strategies to Improve Treatment - Consolidation Therapy

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Hagop M. Kantarjian, MD
Chairman & Professor, Leukemia Department
MD Anderson Cancer Center
University of Texas

Researchers are currently investigating new treatments to improve consolidation therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Participation in trials of these treatments will lead to improved therapies. If you wish to participate in a clinical trial, please talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and side effects of the treatment.

• Monoclonal antibodies - This treatment targets cancer cells and avoids harming the normal cells. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that can be produced in a laboratory. They can locate cancer cells and kill them directly or stimulate your immune system to kill them.

  Some monoclonal antibodies have to be linked to a radioactive isotope or a toxin to kill cells. The antibodies act as a delivery system. Monoclonal antibodies such as Mylotarg® gemtuzumab ozogamicin) can be administered alone or with chemotherapy. They are being evaluated to determine whether they can improve cure rates.

  Mylotarg is the first antibody-targeted chemotherapy. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of elderly patients with recurrent AML.
  
  Clinical trials are in progress to test Mylotarg alone and in combination with other therapies in different stages of AML.

• Lower-intensity chemotherapy - Particularly for older patients with newer (investigational) agents, such as clofarabine, decitabine, and others.

• Targeted therapies - These include new tyrosine kinase inhibitors that may inhibit specific signals, such as FLT3 or others.

• Supportive care - Supportive care refers to treatments designed to prevent and control the side effects of cancer and its treatment. Side effects cause patients discomfort. They also may prevent the best delivery of therapy at its planned dose and schedule. To achieve the best outcomes from treatment and to improve quality of life, it is imperative that side effects resulting from cancer and its treatment are appropriately managed.

• Stem cell transplant - High-dose chemotherapy with autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation is an effective consolidation treatment option for many patients.

• Biologic modifier therapy - Biologic response modifiers are naturally occurring or synthesized substances that control the body's normal immune defenses. Biologic response modifiers include interferons, interleukins, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines. These and other agents are being tested in clinical studies alone or in combination with chemotherapy.