Long-term follow-up of Cancer and Leukemia Group B studies in acute myeloid leukemia.

Abstract

During the past 3 decades, the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) has conducted numerous large clinical trials in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Updated data were obtained for 9 trials initiated by the CALGB between 1974 and 1992. The updated data were compared with the original published results. It was apparent from all the studies that hazard rates for death and relapse are greatest in the first year, decrease substantially between Years 1 and 2, then decrease further between Years 2 and 3. Rates of death and relapse are quite low after 3-4 years. Large numbers of patients are long-term disease free survivors. Overall, these patients have excellent function and a normal quality of life. Patients with AML who are in complete remission for 3-4 years can be assured that late relapse and death are relatively uncommon events. It is inadvisable to publish results of large studies until this minimal level of follow-up has been reached.