Induction, Consolidation and Intensification Therapy for Patients Younger Than 66 Years With Previously Untreated CD33 Positive Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 years. * WHO PS grade 0-2 (Appendix B) or Karnofsky \> 70. * AML according to the new WHO criteria, i.e., % of BM blasts ≥ 20%. NB. this % should be assessed on a BM aspiration or on a BM biopsy * All FAB subtypes except M3. * CD33 positivity (\> 20%). It is mandatory to perform an immunotyping of the BM blasts in particular the determination of CD33 positivity, which will be used as a inclusion factor. * Previously untreated (except ≤ 14 days of Hydroxyurea) primary or secondary AML (including AML after MDS). * Adequate renal and liver function, i.e., creatinine \< 2 mg/dl and bilirubin, ALT/AST ≤ 3 times the upper limit of normal. * Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia. * AML supervening after other myeloproliferative diseases. * AML de novo or secondary previously pretreated. * Concomitant malignant disease. * Active central nervous system (CNS) leukemia. * Active uncontrolled infection \[NB severe systemic infection should be excluded\]. * Concomitant severe cardiovascular disease, i.e., arrhythmias requiring chronic treatment, congestive heart failure or symptomatic ischemic heart disease. * Cardiac ejection fraction of 50% or less. * Severe pulmonary dysfunction (CTC grade 3-4). * Severe concomitant neurological or psychiatric disease. * History of alcohol abuse. * HIV positivity. * Pregnancy. * Man and woman not agreeing to the adequate contraceptive precautions during study period and for at last 24 months after stop of therapy. * Any psychological, familiar, sociological or geographical condition potentially hampering compliance with the study protocol and follow-up schedule.