Clofarabine (CLO), a second-generation purine analogue, has demonstrated an efficient anti-leukemia activity while showing a favorable toxicity profile. This retrospective multicenter report assessed the outcome of 90 patients who received a CLO-containing conditioning regimen before allo-SCT for AML (n = 69) or ALL (n = 21). Median age was 42 yr at transplant. The majority of cases (n = 66) presented with an active disease at transplant while 38 patients had received previous transplantation(s). A total of 88 and two patients received a reduced-intensity conditioning or a myeloablative regimen, respectively. Engraftment was achieved in 97% of evaluable patients. With a median follow-up of 14 months (range, 1-45), the 2-year OS, LFS, relapse, and NRM rates were 28 ± 5%, 23 ± 5%, 41 ± 6%, and 35 ± 5%, respectively. When comparing AML and ALL patients, OS and LFS were significantly higher for AML (OS, 35 ± 6% vs. 0%, P < 0.0001); LFS: 30 ± 6% vs. 0%, P < 0.0001). In a Cox multivariate analysis, an AML diagnosis was the only factor associated with a better LFS (HR = 0.37; 95%CI, 0.21-0.66; P = 0.001). We conclude that a CLO-containing conditioning regimen prior to allo-SCT might be an effective treatment. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the potential role of CLO as part of conditioning regimens in acute leukemias.
© 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.