 Usually, a combination of anthracyclines daunomycin DNR or doxorubicin and cytarabyne Ara-C has been utilized for the remission-induction treatment, with schedules similar to those utilized in younger cases, for patients eligible to intensive treatments. Variation of the dose of DNR has not brought any significant benefit. The EORTC HOVON randomized trial AML9 compared two drugs in induction for previously untreated patients. DNR versus Mithoxantrone MTZ. MTZ induction therapy produces a slightly better CR rate than DNR-containing regimen 47per cent vs 38per cent, P equals 0.069, without any significant effect on remission duration and survival. The DFS probability between the two treatment arms was not different. The median DFS estimates were 39 weeks in both groups. The DFS rate at 5 years was 8per cent. Also the duration of survival was similar p equals 0.23 in the two treatment groups. Median survival estimates were 36 weeks DNR and 39 weeks MTZ. The percentage of patients still alive at 5 years were 6per cent and 9per cent respectively. 