Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the Elderly

Abstract

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are hematologic diseases that frequently affect older adults. Treatment is challenging. Management of older adults with MDS and AML needs to be individualized, accounting for both the heterogeneity of disease biology and patient characteristics, which can influence life expectancy and treatment tolerance. Clinical trials accounting for the heterogeneity of tumor biology and physiologic changes of aging are needed to define optimal standards of care. This article highlights key evidence related to the management of older adults with MDS and AML and highlights future directions for research.

Keywords: Acute myeloid leukemia; Elderly; Management; Myelodysplasia; Older; Treatment.

Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1

Relative survival by time and age for Acute Myeloid Leukemia