Inclusion Criteria:  Age 61 years or more Newly diagnosed AML with > 30% myeloid marrow blasts, either "de novo" or evolving from a MDS not previously treated with chemotherapeutic agents. Absence of central nervous system involvement  No contraindications for intensive chemotherapy, defined as:  prior congestive heart failure requiring treatment and/or left ventricular systolic ejection fraction below the normal range; a creatinine or bilirubin level more than twice the upper limit of normal, except if AML-related; a Performance Status (PS) score of > 2; uncontrolled severe infection. Informed consent.  Exclusion Criteria:  Age ≤ 60 years Newly diagnosed AML with < 30% myeloid marrow blasts Previously treated AML Central nervous system involvement Prior congestive heart failure requiring treatment and/or left ventricular systolic ejection fraction below the normal range; A creatinine or bilirubin level more than twice the upper limit of normal, except if AML-related; A PS score of > 2; Uncontrolled severe infection.