Early intervention during imatinib therapy in patients with newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia: a study of the Spanish PETHEMA group.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite the favorable results of imatinib front line in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia there is room for improvement.

Design and methods

Early intervention during imatinib therapy was undertaken in 210 adults with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia less than three months from diagnosis (Sokal high risk: 16%). Patients received imatinib 400 mg/day. At three months, dose was increased if complete hematologic response was not achieved. At six months, patients in complete cytogenetic response were kept on 400 mg and the remainder randomized to higher imatinib dose or 400 mg plus interferon-alfa. At 18 months, randomized patients were switched to a 2(nd) generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor if not in complete cytogenetic response and imatinib dose increased

SUBMITTER: Cervantes F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2913080 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature