Treatment options for chronic myeloid leukemia

Maria Florencia Tanaka, Hagop Kantarjian, Jorge Cortes, Maro Ohanian, Elias Jabbour

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction : The bcr-abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the cornerstone treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, there are many topics related to therapy that remain debated. Areas covered : The aim of this paper is to give the reader a comprehensive review of how to treat CML at diagnosis, how to monitor the disease and a brief read of special populations and case scenarios. It describes the first-line (imatinib) and second-line (nilotinib and dasatinib) TKIs currently used for the treatment of CML, including landmark studies proving their efficacy, side effect profile, dosage and use in special populations. It also reviews the current guidelines regarding treatment and monitoring of the disease while on TKIs, along with an overview of treatment in advanced stages, the role of allogeneic stem cell transplantation and investigational drugs. Expert opinion : Although imatinib represented a mayor therapeutic advancement over conventional chemotherapy, second-generation TKIs offer higher rates of optimal response and should be used as the frontline therapy. Patients with the T315I mutation carry a worse prognosis and should be offered allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The treatment in advanced stages of CML remains suboptimal and bench, translational and clinical research is encouraged.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)815-828
Number of pages14
JournalExpert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
Volume13
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
  • Dasatinib
  • Imatinib
  • Nilotinib
  • Treatment
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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