Systematic review and meta‐analysis: Prognostic impact of time from diagnosis to treatment in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Abstract Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been considered an oncologic emergency that requires initiation of chemotherapy immediately after diagnosis. With the introduction of novel targeted therapies, there is a potential benefit associated with delaying definitive treatment for identification of actionable therapeutic targets. Unfortunately, cytogenetic/molecular testing can take >7 days to return, and there is not a consensus regarding the prognostic impact of time from diagnosis to treatment (TDT) in AML. Methods A literature review and meta‐analysis of studies done to date that evaluate TDT was conducted. Studies that reported baseline characteristics, TDT, and outcomes for patients with AML were selected. Outcomes included overall survival (OS), complete remission (CR), and mortality. Studies that measured CR rates within each TDT range and data to calculate odds ratios were included in the meta‐analysis. The remaining outcomes were synthesized descriptively for literature review. Results Thirteen studies were identified, which comprised a total of 14,946 patients. Median TDT values were between 1 and 8 days. Several studies found a significant association between prolonged TDT and older age and lower proliferation burden. Four of 11 studies did not detect a significant relationship between TDT and OS. No studies found a significant association between TDT and early death. Six of eight studies did not find a significant association between TDT and CR rate. The meta‐analysis found a significant association between prolonged TDT and decreased achievement of CR ( p < .05). Conclusions Results were highly variable but suggest it may be feasible to pursue cytogenetic/molecular testing in patients who are clinically stable, particularly in those aged 60 years and older.