Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories announced recently that thousands of patients affected by acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may benefit from the new National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for the appropriate treatment of AML, including the use of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg) in specific clinical situations. The only antibody-targeted chemotherapeutic agent approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, gemtuzumab is indicated for patients with CD33-positive AML in first relapse who are 60 years of age or older and who are not considered candidates for other cytotoxic chemotherapy. The safety and efficacy of this agent in patients with poor performance status and organ dysfunction has not been established.
"We are pleased about the inclusion of Mylotarg in the NCCN guidelines because it shows that this innovative technology is having an impact in real clinical practice," said Harold K. Marder, md, senior vice president of Global Medical Affairs, Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories. "Targeted therapies are an important component of the future of cancer treatment, and Wyeth is committed to researching and developing drugs like Mylotarg that provide effective, tolerable treatments for patients with deadly cancers."
Guidelines Updated Annually
Founded in 1995, the NCCN is dedicated to advancing the mission of its member institutions in education, research, and patient care. The organization’s annually updated practice guidelines are recognized as the standard for clinical policy in oncology.
"We provide the entire professional oncology community with treatment recommendations based on the experience of our member institutions," said William T. McGivney, phd, CEO of the NCCN. "The landscape of cancer treatment is constantly changing, and we are committed to keeping oncologists on the cutting edge."
The NCCN AML Guidelines are available through the NCCN. For more information, call the NCCN at (215) 728-4788 or contact them at www.NCCN.org.
A 70-year-old man with a history of localized prostate cancer treated with whole-pelvis radiation therapy with a boost to the prostate, in conjunction with androgen deprivation therapy 7 years prior, presented with lower back pain. A bone scan revealed an area of activity in the sacrum. What is the most likely diagnosis?
