Hypomethylating agents alone or in combination with venetoclax in very elderly acute myeloid leukemia patients: less treatment, better care?

Annals of Hematology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Francesco Tarantini, Corinne Contento, Ernesto Vigna, Vera Carluccio, Giuseppina Greco, Crescenza Pasciolla, Lucia Ciuffreda, Giovanni Rossi, Marina Aurora Urbano, Alessandro D’Ambrosio, Lara Aprile, Vito Pier Gagliardi
+19 more Mario Delia, Immacolata Attolico, Paola Carluccio, V. Federico, Antonella Bruzzese, Nicola Di Renzo, Massimo Gentile, Giuseppe Tarantini, Anna Mele, Attilio Guarini, Lorella Maria Antonia Melillo, Angelo Michele Carella, D. Pastore, Ferdinando Frigeri, Alessandro Maggi, Cosimo Cumbo, Giorgina Specchia, Pellegrino Musto, Francesco Albano
DOI: 10.1007/s00277-026-06737-3
Cited by: 0
References: 16

Abstract

Hypomethylating agents (HMA) alone or in combination with venetoclax (VEN) are a mainstay for disease control in elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We evaluated the non-inferiority of HMA monotherapy compared to HMA/VEN combination in 227 AML patients aged ≥ 75 years receiving HMA or HMA/VEN combination. No difference in overall survival (OS) was observed between the two groups, with HMA monotherapy demonstrating statistical non-inferiority. HMA-treated patients with favorable performance status had longer OS. The HMA/VEN group experienced higher mortality and worse QoL. HMA monotherapy offers comparable survival outcomes to HMA/VEN with reduced toxicity in elderly AML patients.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Research Retinoids in leukemia and cellular processes Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Annals of Hematology
Volume
105
Issue
1
Pages
1–1
Publication date
11 January 2026
Language
EN