Treatment of myeloid leukemia – Poland contributes to this

We were the first in the world to show that the basic treatment regimen of acute myeloid leukemia, which has been used for decades, can be modified and made more effective, which in turn translates into life expectancy and the probability of cure patients.

1. Polish hematologists have significant achievements which influenced the shaping of the standards of treatment of acute leukemia in the world
2. – I believe that our achievements in the diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemias are the most spectacular – writes prof. dr hab. Sebastian Giebel
3. Poles have introduced a modification in the treatment regimen of leukemia
4. More information can be found on the Onet homepage.

Optimizing acute leukemia treatment processes by introducing uniform therapeutic protocols in all centers, and on the other hand conducting clinical trials that have an impact on further optimization of treatment, as well as publishing the results of these studies and sharing them in the international scientific community – this was the purpose of the establishment of the Polish Association Groups for the Treatment of Leukemia in Adults PALG (Polish Adult Leukemia Group). The association was established by prof. Jerzy Hołowiecki in 1975. Currently, it gathers over 30 largest hematology centers in Poland. It includes all academic centers and those located in large hospitals that are not clinics. The cooperation covers all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of acute leukemias: myeloid and lymphoblastic. In both cases, we have significant achievements that influenced the shaping of standards in the treatment of acute leukemia in the world.

Polish treatment protocol

I believe that our achievements in the diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemias are the most spectacular. For many decades, the standard of care was treatment with induction chemotherapy in the 3 + 7 model. Two drugs are used here: daunorubicin for 3 days and cytarabine for 7 days. The modification introduced by us consists in the implementation of the third drug – cladribine into the regimen. Since it is produced in Poland, it was relatively easily available to us. We conducted a series of Phase II and III clinical trials and showed that adding cladribine is associated with better outcomes compared to global standards. This discovery was described in publications appearing in prestigious scientific journals and our treatment regimen was presented as a new standard as part of the recommendations of the NCCN – an American organization that develops treatment guidelines for cancer patients.

1. Also check: The drug for cancer has disappeared from the reimbursement list – doctors are protesting

We are currently conducting another study to further improve treatment outcomes. We add new drugs and try to intensify the therapy so that as many patients as possible can be cured.

Mutations determine prognosis and treatment

Acute myeloid leukemia is not a uniform disease – it has many subtypes because many different mutations can lead to its development. We’ve found out over the past 20 years. As a result, attempts have been made around the world for a more personalized therapy, that is, to adapt the drug to the specific genetic mutations that underlie the disease.

Estimates show that an average of 600–800 patients with acute myeloid leukemia is diagnosed in Poland each year. These are very indicative data. About 10-20 percent. these patients are found to be mutated FLT3. This is just one of the many mutations that affect acute myeloid leukemia cells. Some of these changes have poor prognosis, such as the mutation mentioned FLT3 – others, on the other hand, may be associated with a favorable prognosis, and this is the case with a mutation NPM1. The prognostic significance of some other mutations has not been clearly defined so far – they include mutations HDI1 or HDI2.

1. Editors recommend: Not only Kadcyla. Cancer drugs have quietly disappeared from the list

In patients with the mutation FLT3 treatment failure is the most common. There is resistance to chemotherapy, or – despite the initial response to the treatment applied – the disease recurs. One drug that has been shown to be selective for cells with this type of mutation is gliteritinib. It has been registered for patients with refractory, recurrent forms of mutated acute myeloid leukemia FLT3 in cells. Treatment with this drug is a targeted rescue therapy. Unfortunately, this drug is not reimbursed in Poland so far. You can apply for funding for treatment with this drug as part of the emergency technology access procedure.

The article comes from the educational campaign “Hematology – learn about blood diseases” prepared by Warsaw Press, and whose media partner is medTvoiLokony. All materials can be found on http://www.warsawpress.com/

Also read:

1. Oncologists are on the brink: an incredible wave of tumors, people are begging for help
2. More and more Polish women die of breast cancer. Money from the government is not helping
3. It develops quickly, it is easy to mistake it for something else. It’s an insidious tumor
4. Paulina Młynarska has undergone a prophylactic mastectomy. Up to 300 people qualify for it. Polish women
5. They know they are dying. How do I talk to cancer patients?

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.