The FLAMSA concept—past and future

Hans Jochem Kolb, Christoph Schmid

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The FLAMSA reduced intensity (RIC) concept, also known as “sequential therapy”, is a conceptual platform for the treatment of leukemia separated in several parts: induction therapy, a sequence of antileukemic and immunosuppressive conditioning for allogeneic stem cell transplantation, and immune restitution supported by donor lymphocyte transfusions. The antileukemic part consists of fludarabine, cytosine arabinoside, and amsacrine (FLAMSA); non-cross reactive agents like fludarabine and amsacrine have been successfully used in cases of refractoriness and relapse. Immunosuppressive conditioning and transplantation follow after only 3 days of rest. This way, the toxicity of allogeneic transplantation could be reduced and the anti-leukemia effects by using allogeneic immune cells could be optimized. This review summarizes available data on efficacy and toxicity of this approach. Further, possible strategies for improvements are discussed in order to provide better chances for elderly and frail patients and patients with advanced and high-risk disease. Among others, several new agents are available that target molecular changes of leukemia for induction of remission and allow for bridging the time after transplantation until adoptive immunotherapy becomes safe and effective.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1979-1988
Number of pages10
JournalAnnals of Hematology
Volume99
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • AML
  • Conditioning
  • DLI
  • FLAMSA
  • Graft versus leukemia
  • MDS
  • Targeted therapy
  • Transplantation

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