Clinical analysis of low-dose decitabine combined with CAG regimen in treatment of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes patients with intermediate- or high-risk

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical value of low-dose decitabine (DAC) in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients with intermediate- or high-risk. Methods Low-dose DAC (10 mg/d, 7 days) combined with CAG regimen were given to 19 elderly patients with AML and intermediate- or high-risk MDS patients. The efficacy and adverse reactions were evaluated after a course of treatment, and the patients were followed up for survival. Results After a course of treatment, 8 patients achieved complete remission (CR), 7 patients achieved partial remission (PR). After 4 courses of treatment, 68.4% (13/19) of patients achieved CR, the overall response rate reached 78.9% (15/19). Fewer side effects were seen associated with chemotherapy. After 42 months of follow-up, there were 12 survival cases, the median survival time was 13.5 months (3-42 months). Conclusion Low-dose DAC combined with CAG regimen have a better efficacy, higher safety, and lower economic burden for elderly AML patients and intermediate- or high-risk MDS patients, which is beneficial to greatly improve patients' compliance. Key words: Leukemia, myelocytic, acute; Myelodysplastic syndromes; Decitabine; Low-dose; CAG regimen