Bone Marrow Collection

This clinical trial studies whether less fit adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myeloid neoplasms are willing to let a computer program decide (randomization) whether they receive lower- or higher-intensity chemotherapy. Historically, treatment decision-making for patients with AML or myeloid neoplasms has divided patients into two categories, with patients considered fit receiving intensive "curative" chemotherapy, and patients considered unfit, such as older patients with a higher risk of early death from therapy, receiving non-intensive "palliative" therapy or no therapy. With the introduction of new treatment agents, it has become difficult to determine the difference between intensive and non-intensive therapy, especially for patients considered unfit for whom treatment-related side effects remain a concern. Treatment intensity is best identified through randomized trials but often patients are unwilling to undergo randomization due to preset beliefs. However, with improved supportive care and the awareness that new treatment agents may have similar risks as intensive therapy, it may be possible that more patients are willing to be randomized. This may help identify the best treatment intensity for less fit adults with AML or myeloid neoplasms, which may improve outcomes.

This phase II trial tests how well etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin (DA-EPOCH) with or without rituximab plus recombinant Erwinia asparaginase (JZP458) works in treating patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) negative B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or T-ALL. Chemotherapy drugs, such as etoposide, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prednisone, lower the body's immune response and are used with other drugs in the treatment of some types of cancer. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody. It binds to a protein called CD20, which is found on B cells (a type of white blood cell) and some types of cancer cells. This may help the immune system kill cancer cells. JZP458 may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Giving DA-EPOCH with or without rituximab plus JZP458 may kill more cancer cells in patients with newly diagnosed Ph negative B-ALL or T-ALL.