Allogeneic stem cell transplant in adult patients with acute myelogenous leukemia: a systematic analysis of international guidelines and recommendations

In patients with acute myelogenous leukemia, published guidelines and treatment recommendations are usually the basis for starting the work-up process for allogeneic transplant. However, only consistent recommendations would allow a standardized clinical practice. We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature search to identify and evaluate the best available evidence from controlled clinical trials. In addition, recommendations given by leading organizations in the USA and Europe were analyzed. The following aspects were selected for systematic comparison: factors for risk assessment and categorization, role of type of donor, significance of allogeneic transplant in first or second complete remission and in relapse/progressive disease; and role of reduced intensity conditioning regimens. In conclusion, the recommendations for the use of allogeneic transplant given by the literature and by published guidelines are inconsistent and will need clarification.

[A mortality databank for international comparison and background information]

This article describes the structure and utilization of a computerized databank system for WHO mortality data. This system makes available "at finger-tips" data which previously were published by WHO in its blue volumes. The data can be handled much more flexible. At the moment the system provides information on age-standardized rates (direct standardization), total number of cases, as well as cover per age-group and year for about a hundred countries. The time period covered is 1950-1985, with exceptions for data which are not available to WHO.