Determining predictors of long-term survival in imatinib-treated chronic myeloid leukemia

This study aimed to determine potential predictors of long-term survival in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with imatinib.  

This study concluded that phase at diagnosis and blood-cells response at 3 months were potential predictors of long-term survival in these patients. 

Imatinib (Gleevec) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that is commonly used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). TKIs are a type of targeted therapy. Which factors could act as predictors of long-term survival in patients with CML treated with imatinib are still under investigation. 

This study involved data from 411 Mexican patients with CML. All patients received imatinib treatment. The primary outcome measured was predictors of long-term survival.  

The survival rate at 150 months was 82.02%. Phase at diagnosis (stage of disease), prognostic scale and hematological response (based on the number of cells in the blood) at 3 months were predictors of overall survival. Patients in the chronic and accelerated phases had longer survival. This was also true for patients with low-risk disease on leukemia prognostic scales. Patients with a complete hematological response also had a better survival chance.

This study concluded that phase at diagnosis, prognostic scale and hematological response at 3 months were predictors of survival in patients with CML treated with imatinib.  

This study only included Mexican patients. Prognostic factors in CML may differ according to the ethnic or geographical context.