Phoenix-area residents who are in remission after treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are being sought to participate in an international, Phase III clinical trial for US Oncology Research to test a drug that may lengthen their lives.

Mahesh Seetharam, M.D., oncologist and hematologist with Arizona Oncology, will lead the drug trial targeting AML—a form of cancer that, if left untreated, could be fatal within weeks or months. The American Cancer Society estimates that around 14,590 new cases of AML will be diagnosed this year.

The study is open to those AML patients age 55 and over who have experienced complete remission up to 90 days after intensive treatment to be eligible for enrollment. Patients also must be ineligible for a bone marrow transplant to qualify for the trial. It is a randomized, double-blind study—meaning doctors or participants do not know if the patient is receiving the drug or a placebo.

The enrollment period is expected to take up to three years and the trial itself may last five years. For more information about participation in this clinical trial, contact the Arizona Oncology Biltmore Cancer Center, 2222 E. Highland Ave., at 602-277-4868.

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