Quality of life issues in elderly acute myeloid leukemia patients. (June 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saini, Lalit; Alibhai, Shabbir MH; Brandwein, Joseph M
• Is Part Of: Aging health. Volume 7:Number 3(2011)
• Page Start: 477
• Page End: 490
• Publication Date: 2011-06
• Subjects: acute myeloid leukemia -- chemotherapy -- cytokine -- elderly -- exercise -- nutrition -- quality of life; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97005
• DOI: 10.2217/ahe.11.32
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-509X

Abstract

The median age of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is 70 years. Treatment approaches include standard chemotherapy, palliative chemotherapy and investigational agents, depending upon disease biology and patient factors. In this article, we highlight the issues involved in the treatment of AML in older patients, focusing on the quality of life changes associated with each treatment modality at different stages of their disease course. We further discuss recent insights into the biological basis of quality of life changes, and examine potential ways to improve these through pharmacological and nonpharmacological means. Finally, we explore avenues for future research into the quality of life of the older AML patient.