Purpose of review: To describe the pathology, impact of comorbidities, functional limitations, symptoms, and quality of life (QOL) related to treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older adults.
Recent findings: AML is a rare aggressive hematologic disease that occurs most often in older adults. The prognosis for older patients with AML is markedly worse due to genetic mutations and patient characteristics such as comorbidities and functional limitations. Patient characteristics may influence treatment decisions, as well as impact symptoms, functional ability, health-related outcomes and (QOL).
Summary: As the population continues to age, the number of people diagnosed with AML is expected to increase. Better management of comorbidities is imperative to improving QOL and other treatment related outcomes. Prospective, longitudinal and multi-site studies are warranted to further understand the interaction between these characteristics on symptoms, outcomes and QOL.
Keywords: Acute myeloid leukemia; comorbidities; older adults; patient reported outcomes; physical function; quality of life; symptoms.