Will new drugs cure acute myeloid leukaemia?

Abstract

There are many new therapies approved to treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) including conventional and targeted drugs, and immune therapy. Most improve diverse outcomes including eventand relapse-free survivals and survival. However, most effect sizes are small and failure rates by 2 years are high. Based on the data reviewed above I conclude: (1) many new AML therapies target specific AML sub-types; (2) none are proved better than intensive radiochemotherapy in persons who could receive either therapy; (3) there is disagreement defining who can or cannot receive intensive therapy; (4) there are important problems with several new drug approvals; (5) azacitidine and venetoclax may be the new standard-of-care in elderly persons with AML judged unable to receive intensive therapy; and (6) new drugs are welcome but have not had a big impact on long-term survival of most people with AML.