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Anyone take Vidaza and Venetoclax for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Feb 8 2:13pm | Replies (21)Comment receiving replies
I am 75 with aml since jjan 25.in remission except for molecular..labs normal...will not do transplant because of age..grandmother was 93 ..mom 92.why is age a factor
Replies to "I am 75 with aml since jjan 25.in remission except for molecular..labs normal...will not do transplant..."
Hi @bettersleep68
I echo @loribmt comments regarding age factors in BMT for we older patients.
I was 75 when diagnosed and elected not to move forward with a BMT. On March 31st I will celebrate 2 years since diagnosis and intensive induction therapy! I am in deep remission with no evidence of my FLT3 or NPM1 mutations. I do still receive maintenance chemo therapy every 6 weeks of Dacogen and Venclexta (1/2). Dramatically reduced from 5/7 a year ago. While I see myself as “cured” I feel that no one is cured of cancer. I am blessed beyond belief as my journey has taken me from diagnosis (was sure I would be dead in months) to working part-time and celebrating life! I have gratitude daily and am giving back to my friends and family who are with me in this journey.
Prayers for all of us who are finding our lives turned around by a cancer diagnosis! I am living proof that the diagnosis doesn’t mean a death sentence. I asked my Hem/Onc doctor his goal for me and he said “that you die of old age”! That is my goal too;-)
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Hi @bettersleep. It looks as though you’ve been having a very positive result with your treatment for AML. Years ago, most older people (65-ish and upwards) with AML were not so fortunate as the medications used today weren’t available. Research and development of treatments with a reduced intensity or targeted therapies, have allowed older folks with AML to enjoy many more years, often without the need for a bone marrow transplant. That’s a huge benefit with fewer risks.
You’re wondering why age is a factor in bone marrow transplantion. It’s not quite as easy as that. Doctors have to take into consideration many aspects of the patient before they are eligible for a BMT, not just age.
Instead of typing the eligibility list details, I found an article for you that gives a good general basis for the selection process…besides the obvious risk vs reward.
This from Biology insights:
https://biologyinsights.com/what-is-the-bone-marrow-transplant-age-limit/
As long as your medication is working well for you to keep the AML under control it sounds like you can put the concerns about having a BMT behind you!