AML patients may fare better at NCI centers

“I see 60 or more AML cases per year,” Dr Jonas said. “High volume/low volume must play a role.”

The researchers believe other potential contributing factors could be access to clinical trials, better nursing ratios, and more sophisticated intensive care units.

The team hopes this research will spawn more intensive efforts to identify the causes that underlie variations in early mortality between hospital sites.

“This is a provocative and hopeful paper in terms of improving outcomes,” Dr Jonas said. “It sends a positive message that there are things we could probably do that could help everyone.”