Innovative non-intensive therapy for acute myeloid leukemia: clinical study by UniBs e Spedali Civili of Brescia published in The Lancet Haematology

The prestigious journal The Lancet Haematology has recently published the results of an innovative clinical study led by Prof. Domenico Russo, professor of Eematology at the University of Brescia. The project, named "Venetoclax plus decitabine as a bridge to allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in older patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (VEN-DEC GITMO): final report of a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 trial", demonstrated the efficacy of a non-intensive therapy based on Venetoclax and Decitabine as a bridge to allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in elderly patients, treated at home, with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

The independent and multicenter study involved patients aged 60 to 75 with intermediate-high risk leukemia, treated at home with a non-intensive regimen. The results showed a high rate of complete remissions (70%), maintaining excellent fitness and performed allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 60% of treated cases, that is in over 80% of cases that achieved complete remission. These results far exceed the results of current intensive chemotherapy regimens that allow less than 20% of patients aged ≥60 to undergo an allotransplant.

The study, coordinated by Prof. Russo, represents an important turning point in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia for patients over 60. It is believed that this approach not only reduces the need for chemotherapy treatments and consequent prolonged and painful hospitalizations, but also offers a high probability of recovery. These results and the consequent recognition highlight the leadership of the University of Brescia and the Spedali Civili di Brescia in the research and treatment of acute leukemia.