Physical Conditioning and Decitabine for Newly Diagnosed AML Patients Age ≥ 60

STUDY BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a common type of blood cancer in adults, and is more common with increasing age. AML is harder to treat in older patients, with typically poor responses to standard chemotherapy. Patients with AML are typically given intensive induction chemotherapy, but many older patients cannot tolerate the side effects of this therapy. Decitabine has been shown to be active and better tolerated in frail patients with AML; however, most patients still relapse. Recent studies suggest that improving the performance status and fitness of older AML patients prior to induction chemotherapy may help to lessen side effects. This study will test the combination of decitabine treatment with physical exercise in elderly patients with AML who are not candidates for standard induction chemotherapy. STUDY DESCRIPTION: This is a pilot study to test the combination of decitabine treatment with an 8-week physical exercise program in AML patients ≥ 60 years of age who are not candidates for standard induction chemotherapy. Patients who are eligible to take part must give their written agreement before they can be enrolled. This study will enroll 20 patients who are not candidates for standard induction chemotherapy. Patients will begin an 8-week program of physical exercise, including 2-3 sessions per week supervised by a physical therapist. During this 8-week period, patients will be given 2 cycles of decitabine therapy (daily infusion for 5 consecutive days of a 28-day cycle). Patients will be followed to assess the safety and tolerability of the program. Patients will also give blood samples that will be used to assess their response to treatment. Patients will be evaluated for their physical fitness before and after the 8-week exercise program and will complete questionnaires to assess their quality of life before and after the program.