Efficacy and safety of the cladribine, idarubicin, and cytarabine regimen for treating acute myeloid leukemia: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis.

What was studied

This review pooled single-arm studies of the CIA regimen. It is used for acute myeloid leukemia, or AML. CIA combines cladribine, idarubicin and cytarabine. The team searched major medical databases up to September 9, 2025. Results were split by disease status, new or relapsed.

What they found

In newly diagnosed AML, the abstract gives pooled rates for remission and survival. In relapsed or refractory AML, only complete remission could be pooled. That estimate had limited power. Severe infections were a major safety concern. Severe bleeding and early death were also reported. The abstract gives the exact rates. They are not shown here.

What it means for patients

The authors say results point to remission in newly diagnosed AML. This was mainly in low- to intermediate-risk cases. They say efficacy is limited in relapsed or refractory AML.

Why it is not certain yet

Few studies were pooled. They were single-arm, with no comparison group. The authors say to read findings with care. The data are thin. The risk of bias is not clear. They call for randomized trials against current standard care. They also call for standard dosing.

Source

Efficacy and safety of the cladribine, idarubicin, and cytarabine regimen for treating acute myeloid leukemia: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis.

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