The intensity of modern protocols for remission induction of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia presents a major problem in elderly patients because of toxicity. Most studies concerning this question indicate that in higher age groups (greater than 60 yrs.) remission incidence worsens and the death rate increases. Therefore, the purpose of this multicenter study is to prospectively compare survival and quality of life of two different therapeutic strategies: immediate intensive remission induction using Daunomycin and Cytosine Arabinoside (branch I) versus supportive care, "wait and see" policy, and palliative cytoreduction (branch II) with Hydroxyurea and Ara C when necessary. During the first 8 months after activating this study, 27 patients entered, 13 were randomized to branch I and 14 to branch II. It is too early to report meaningful results.