Induction, Consolidation and Intensification Therapy for Patients Younger Than 66 Years With Previously Untreated CD33 Positive Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-65 years.
* WHO PS grade 0-2 (Appendix B) or Karnofsky \> 70.
* AML according to the new WHO criteria, i.e., % of BM blasts ≥ 20%. NB. this % should be assessed on a BM aspiration or on a BM biopsy
* All FAB subtypes except M3.
* CD33 positivity (\> 20%). It is mandatory to perform an immunotyping of the BM blasts in particular the determination of CD33 positivity, which will be used as a inclusion factor.
* Previously untreated (except ≤ 14 days of Hydroxyurea) primary or secondary AML (including AML after MDS).
* Adequate renal and liver function, i.e., creatinine \< 2 mg/dl and bilirubin, ALT/AST ≤ 3 times the upper limit of normal.
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia.
* AML supervening after other myeloproliferative diseases.
* AML de novo or secondary previously pretreated.
* Concomitant malignant disease.
* Active central nervous system (CNS) leukemia.
* Active uncontrolled infection \[NB severe systemic infection should be excluded\].
* Concomitant severe cardiovascular disease, i.e., arrhythmias requiring chronic treatment, congestive heart failure or symptomatic ischemic heart disease.
* Cardiac ejection fraction of 50% or less.
* Severe pulmonary dysfunction (CTC grade 3-4).
* Severe concomitant neurological or psychiatric disease.
* History of alcohol abuse.
* HIV positivity.
* Pregnancy.
* Man and woman not agreeing to the adequate contraceptive precautions during study period and for at last 24 months after stop of therapy.
* Any psychological, familiar, sociological or geographical condition potentially hampering compliance with the study protocol and follow-up schedule.