In the Netherlands, about 25 children are diagnosed with AML each year. In these children there is an uninhibited division and growth of a certain type of blood cells. Usually these are white blood cells, sometimes red blood cells or platelets. This leaves no room for the production of healthy blood cells.
Cure rate doubled since 1990s
New research shows that the five-year survival rate for children with AML has increased to 80%, where it was 70% about 10 years ago and 40% in the 1990s. In addition, the chance of the disease recurring fell by 15% from 40% to 25%. A total of 287 children participated in the study. Using highly sensitive methods, the researchers determined how well a person responded to the initial therapy. Based on that, the treatment was adjusted. Children who responded poorly to the initial therapy received a stem cell transplant.
New study
Prof. dr. Gertjan Kaspers, pediatric oncologist and AML specialist, participated in the study on behalf of the Netherlands and is international principal investigator of the CHIP-AML22 study. He says, 'It's great that the chance of survival has increased and the chance of the disease returning has decreased. With the new CHIP-AML study, we want to increase the odds even further. To this end, we are investigating whether we can improve the treatment of children by tailoring it to their risk profile. We are also studying the effectiveness of two new targeted drugs. Both may become standard part of the treatment of AML after the study.'
More information
The study regarding the improved survival rate for children with AML was led by the University of Gothenburg.
Would you like to read the scientific publication? Please look here: Tierens A, et al. Mitoxantrone Versus Liposomal Daunorubicin in Induction of Pediatric AML With Risk Stratification Based on Flow Cytometry Measurement of Residual Disease. J Clin Oncol. 2024 Jun 20;42(18):2174-2185.