CML: How low can you go?

Abstract

The use of imatinib mesylate as a specific inhibitory treatment of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase has revolutionized the treatment of CML. Although results of treatment in patients in accelerated phase or blast crisis remain suboptimal, the rate of progression to advanced phase from chronic phase has dramatically been reduced such that approximately 90% of people treated with imatinib at the time of diagnosis remain alive with follow-up that now approaches 8+ years. The results in chronic phase are not perfect, however, and intent-to-treat analyses of large cohorts of chronic-phase patients suggest that approximately 60%-65% of patients remain on imatinib therapy 5 years after initiation of treatment.