Cytomorphology and Clinical Outcome in 80 Patients with AML M4Eo and Inversion 16

We analyzed specific cytomorphological aspects and treatment results in 80 patients with AML M4Eo and inversion 16. All patients were treated according to protocols of the AMLCG (n=60) or the ECOG (n=20). Several morphological features, including myelodysplasia, did not influence the remission rate or prognosis in this cohort. The complete remission rate was 89%. Resistance to chemotherapy is therefore a rare event in AML M4Eo. For the AMLCG patients the relapse-free survival rate was 48.2% at 8 years. Thus, patients with AML M4Eo have a good prognosis in comparison to many other subtypes of AML. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation should no longer be considered the treatment of choice in first complete remission in patients with AML M4Eo.