In a nutshell
This study wanted to assess the safety and effectiveness of nilotinib (Tasigna) in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with abnormal genes. Researchers found that nilotinib was safe and effective in these patients when combined with chemotherapy.
Some background
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a cancer of the immune system. it is often linked with abnormal genes. Nilotinib is a drug which targets certain proteins on cancer cells. This blocks the signals that cause cancer cells to grow, resulting in cancer cell death. Nilotinib has been proven effective in treating ALL with abnormal genes. However, its safety and effectiveness when combined with multiple chemotherapy drugs remain under investigation.
Methods & findings
30 patients with ALL were included in this study. Standard chemotherapy was given for 4 weeks. Nilotinib was given on day 15. Nilotinib was then continued for 2 years after complete treatment response. Blood markers for signs of cancer and overall survival were measured. The average follow-up period was 56.5 months.
All patients had no blood markers of cancer after treatment. Overall survival was 47.5 months, on average. After 4 years, the overall survival rate was 45%. 54% of patients were alive at 4 years without cancer signs in the blood. 45% of patients were alive without abnormal genes in the blood after 4 years. Side effects were stopped by reducing the dose of treatment.
The bottom line
The study concluded that nilotinib was safe and effective in the treatment of ALL with abnormal genes.
The fine print
A small sample size may affect this study's results. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Published By :
Annals of Hematology
Date :
Jan 11, 2019
