 2. Remission induction was attempted with a two-step regimen, consisting of conventional chemotherapy ICE: idarubicincytarabineetoposide G-CSF followed, only in the case of failure to respond, by a sequential high dose-cytarabine cycle cytarabine 3 gm2bd on days 1,2,8,9; idarubicin on days 3 and 10; G-GSF; cytarabine dosing 2 gm2 in patients aged 55 years. It was hoped that this choice would optimize salvage rates hence overall response rates, by allowing more patients and more fit, uncomplicated ones to reach the salvage phase, compared to a policy where salvage is usually given after two failed induction courses. 