The trial is a randomized, open-label phase II study comparing CPX-351 vs conventional intensivechemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed de novo AML and intermediate- or adverse-risk genetics

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy characterized by clonal expansion of myeloid blasts.

Interestingly comparing de novo and stringently defined secondary AMLs occurring after a documented phase of MDS, Lindsley et al. could identify among de novo AMLs a molecular subgroup, termed 'secondary-type AML', defined by mutations in either SRSF2, SF3B1, U2AF1, ZRSR2, ASXL1, EZH2, BCOR and/or STAG2 genes. Among de novo AML patients, 33.3% had secondary-type mutations.

It has been shown that patients older than 60 years of age harboring secondary-type AML, as defined by this 8-gene molecular signature, had inferior outcome to those without 'secondary-type' mutations when treated with conventional 7+3 chemotherapy, combining cytarabine and an anthracycline (ALFA 1200 study). This was notably true among patients with 'intermediate-risk' disease per European LeukemiaNet criteria.

The incidence of 'secondary-type' AML mutations increases with age and with cytogenetic risk category. Notably, roughly 50% of de novo AML patients with intermediate risk older than 50 years of age harbor such secondary-type mutations, New therapeutic options are thus necessary in patients older than 50 years with de novo AML classified adverse risk but also intermediate risk and associated to secondary-type mutation

This study will evaluate the rate of MRD negative remissions with CPX-351 used as induction and consolidation therapy according to its marketing authorization (AMM), as compared to intensive chemotherapy in a population of non-MRC AMLs enriched in secondary-like mutations. In addition,P-gp activity will be explore as a putative biomarker.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. De novo AML
2. No MRC-defining cytogenetic lesion
3. No t(15;17), t(8;21), inv(16) or t(16;16)
4. No NPM1 gene mutation
5. No FLT3 mutated AML (FLT3 ITD or TKD)
6. Not previously treated except for short course hydroxyurea in patients presenting with high WBC count and/or tumor symptoms,
7. Age ≥ 50 years,
8. Performance status ≤ 2 (ECOG grading),
9. Patient must have adequate organ function as indicated detailed with laboratory values in the section IV of the protocol
10. Female patient of childbearing potential with a negative serum pregnancy test (β-hCG) within 72 hours prior to receiving the first dose of CPX-351 or 7+3. Female patient who is not actively breastfeeding at the time of study entry.
11. Female patient is either post-menopausal, free from menses for > 2 years, surgically sterilized or willing to use 2 adequate barrier methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy, or agrees to not become pregnant throughout the study, starting with study screening
12. Male patient agrees to use an adequate method of contraception for the duration of the study. Men should be advised not to father a child while receiving CPX-351 or 7+3 and for 3 months after the last dose of study treatment .
13. Patient is available for periodic blood sampling, study related assessments, and appropriate clinical management at the treating institution for the duration of the study.
14. Patient has the ability to understand and willingness to sign an informed consent form indicating the investigational nature of the study.
15. Patient registered to the French Social Security.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior history of documented MDS, MPN or MDS/MPN, tAML
2. Prior history of radiation therapy or chemotherapy for a solid tumor or lymphoma (exceptions to be considered: local radiotherapy for prostate cancer)
3. Patient has active and uncontrolled infection.
4. Patient has uncontrolled intercurrent illness or circumstances that could limit compliance with the study, including but not limited to the following: symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia, pancreatitis, or psychiatric or social conditions that may interfere with patient compliance.
5. Patient is currently participating or has participated in a study with an investigational compound or device within 30 days of initial dosing with study drug.
6. Patient has known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or HIV-related malignancy.
7. Patient has clinically active hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection.
8. Patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to any component of CPX-351, idarubicin or cytarabine.
9. Patient with a "currently active" second malignancy, other than nonmelanoma skin cancer and carcinoma in situ of the cervix, should not be enrolled. Patients are not considered to have a "currently active" malignancy if they have completed therapy for a prior malignancy, are disease free from prior malignancies for >1 year or are considered by their physician to be at less than 30% risk of relapse.
10. Patients with clinical evidence of CNS leukemia.
11. Cardiac ejection fraction <50% or considered as abnormal by echocardiography or multi-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan.
12. Patient is pregnant or breastfeeding within the projected duration of the study.