This clinical trial studies whether less fit adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myeloid neoplasms are willing to let a computer program decide (randomization) whether they receive lower- or higher-intensity chemotherapy. Historically, treatment decision-making for patients with AML or myeloid neoplasms has divided patients into two categories, with patients considered fit receiving intensive "curative" chemotherapy, and patients considered unfit, such as older patients with a higher risk of early death from therapy, receiving non-intensive "palliative" therapy or no therapy. With the introduction of new treatment agents, it has become difficult to determine the difference between intensive and non-intensive therapy, especially for patients considered unfit for whom treatment-related side effects remain a concern. Treatment intensity is best identified through randomized trials but often patients are unwilling to undergo randomization due to preset beliefs. However, with improved supportive care and the awareness that new treatment agents may have similar risks as intensive therapy, it may be possible that more patients are willing to be randomized. This may help identify the best treatment intensity for less fit adults with AML or myeloid neoplasms, which may improve outcomes.
Age ≥ 18 years
Diagnosis of high grade myeloid neoplasm (> 10% blasts in blood or marrow), other than acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) according to the 2022 International Consensus Classification (ICC) classification. Patients with acute leukemias of ambiguous lineage are eligible
The use of cytoreductive therapy before treatment is permitted. Patients with symptoms/signs of leukostasis, white blood cell (WBC) > 100,000/μL, or acute symptoms that in the opinion of the treating physician are likely related to their high-grade myeloid neoplasm may receive up to 2 doses of cytarabine (up to 500 mg/m² each) prior to study day 1
Patients may have received treatment for antecedent low-grade myeloid neoplasm (< 10% myeloid blasts on blood or bone marrow)
Known hypersensitivity to cytarabine, anthracycline, hypomethylating agents, or venetoclax
Cardiovascular disability status of New York Heart Association class ≥ 2. Class 2 is defined as cardiac disease in which patients are comfortable at rest but ordinary physical activity results in fatigue, palpitations, dyspnea, or anginal pain
Subject exhibits evidence of other clinically significant uncontrolled systemic infection requiring therapy (viral, bacterial or fungal)
Concomitant illness associated with a likely survival of < 1 year