Isolated
myeloid sarcoma is an extramedullary
tumor of immature myeloid cells defined by the absence of
leukemia history, myelodisplastic syndrome, or myeloproliferative neoplasma with a negative bone marrow biopsy.
Myeloid sarcoma is a very rare condition, and few cases have been reported. We reviewed data of 12 patients with isolated
myeloid sarcoma managed at a single center to determine the possible prognostic factors affecting patient survival, such as age, sex, type, localization, and treatment options. Patients were mostly men (n=8), with a median age of 39 years. Patients were initially treated with
chemotherapy (n=7) or surgery (n=5). In three patients,
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was performed. During the follow-up period, nine patients died. The median overall survival was 13 months, while event-free survival was 8 months. Regarding initial treatment strategy, no significant difference in overall survival was observed. Both
chemotherapy and
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation independently improved event-free survival. In addition, patients who received
chemotherapy combined with
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation had significantly longer event-free survival than those treated with
chemotherapy alone. Age<40 years together with
chemotherapy/
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation significant affected event-free survival. Based on our results, the treatment of
myeloid sarcoma requires a systemic rather than a localized approach with surgery or
radiotherapy. While prospective evaluations are needed,
chemotherapy with allogenic
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be considered as the optimal
therapy for isolated
myeloid sarcoma.