Therapy-Optimization Trial for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemias (AML) in Children and Adolescents

Due to progressive therapy intensification in the four consecutive studies AML-BFM 78, 83, 93 and 98, prognosis for children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has improved steadily. In spite of the intensified therapy, rates of morbidity and mortality have remained unchanged or have even decreased. Against the background that about 40% of the patients still die from immediate causes of an underlying disease relapse or of nonresponse, it seems to be justifiable to intensify therapy - especially for high-risk patients - which on its parts will require an optimization of supportive measures. As the present risk stratification into standard- (SR) and high-risk (HR) patients has proved effective, we will pursue the risk-adapted therapy strategy. The aim of the study is to improve prognosis in children with AML by intensification of cytostatic therapy and to evaluate by randomisation the equivalence of a prophylactic central nervous system (CNS) irradiation with a total dose of 18 Gy versus 12 Gy.