OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and toxicity of modified FLAG and CAG on relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODSSixty-one patients with relapsed or refractory AML were divided into modified FLAG or CAG group. In modified FLAG group: G-CSF 200 μg·m⁻²·d⁻¹ on days 0-5; fludarabine 30 mg·m⁻²·d⁻¹ on days 1-5; Ara-C 1.0 g·m⁻²·d⁻¹ on days 1-5. In CAG group: Ara-C 10 mg·m⁻²·12 h⁻¹ on days 1-14, aclarubicin 20 mg/d on days 1-4, G-CSF 200 μg·m⁻²·d⁻¹ on days 0 1-14.

RESULTSThe complete response (CR) rate was 43% (12/28) and the partial response (PR) rate 18% (5/28) with the overall response (OR) rate of 61% in modified FLAG group. CR rate was 21% (7/33) and PR rate 15% (5/33) with OR rate of 36% in CAG group. There was significant statistical difference between two groups (P<0.05). The main toxicities of these groups were myelosupression and infection. The infection rate was 68% (19/28) in modified FLAG group (twenty-two patients were treated in the sterile laminar flow ward duing neutropenic period), treatment related mortality (TRM) in modified FLAG group was 7%; The infection rate was 55% (18/33) in CAG group (no patient was treated in the sterile laminar flow ward), TRM in CAG group was 3%. There was no significant statistical difference in two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONModified FLAG was effective for relapsed or refractory AML. The supportive cares to strengthen infection-controlled measures and shorten the period of bone marrow suppression produced the additional effect. CAG regimen has low adverse reactions and could be individualized to elder or weak patients.