In a nutshell
The study looked at the safety and effectiveness of ponatinib (Iclusig) in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Researchers found that ponatinib was safe and effective in previously treated patients with CML.
Some background
Chronic myeloid leukemia is a type of cancer of the bone marrow. This can lead to abnormal immune cells. It is often treated with medications that target certain proteins on cancer cells. Ponatinib is a drug that works in this way. It is important to research the safety and effectiveness of this treatment.
Methods & findings
48 patients with CML were included in this study. All patients were previously treated with at least two other drugs. Patients were then treated with ponatinib and followed up for 26.5 months.
After 18 months, 81.8% of patients had fewer signs of cancer in the blood (major molecular response). After 3 years, overall survival was 80.5%.
29 patients experienced serious side effects that affected the heart and blood vessels. These included heart attacks (8.1%), stroke (3.2%), and blood clots (4.8%). These occurred after an average of 5.8 months of treatment.
The bottom line
The study concluded that ponatinib was safe and effective in the treatment of CML in previously treated patients.
The fine print
The study had a small sample size. Larger research is needed to confirm results.
Published By :
Experimental Hematology
Date :
Sep 05, 2018
