A new option for chronic myeloid leukemia patients who have an intolerance to TKIs

This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of nilotinib (Tasigna) in patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia who have an intolerance to other tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

This study concluded that this group of patients can be treated with nilotinib and it can lead to deep molecular responses.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a first-line treatment for chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP). Some patients that receive TKIs can experience intolerable side effects. In these patients, dose adjustments, interrupting or stopping therapy or switching to another TKI is necessary.

It was unknown if nilotinib could be a suitable TKI for these patients.

This study involved 21 patients with CML-CP who were intolerant of, but responsive to first line TKI treatments imatinib (Gleevec) or dasatinib (Sprycel). Patients were treated with nilotinib for up to 24 months. Patients received 300 mg nilotinib twice daily. The achievement of molecular response (MR)4.5 by 24 months was the main objective. MR is defined as a test result that shows no evidence of abnormal DNA associated with CML-CP.

MR4.5 was achieved by month 24 in 50% of patients after switching to nilotinib.

74% of non-hematological side effects (not in the blood) caused by intolerance to imatinib or dasatinib were resolved within 12 weeks of switching to nilotinib.

This study concluded that CML-CP patients who are intolerant to other TKIs can be treated with nilotinib and it can lead to deep molecular responses.

Consult your physician about nilotinib as a treatment option.