Late anemia in elderly patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia treated with imatinib

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of late chronic anemia in older patients with chronic myeloid leukemia treated with imatinib.  

This study concluded that late chronic anemia is common in these patients. 

Imatinib (Gleevec) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). This is a drug that can be used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Anemia is a side effect of cancer treatment. Patients with anemia have a lower than normal number of red blood cells. As a result, the body's cells do not receive enough oxygen. Chronic anemia occurs as a result of a long-term health condition that affects the body's ability to make red blood cells such as cancer.  

The occurrence of late chronic anemia in older patients with CML who have been treated with imatinib is unknown. 

This study involved 81 patients with CML aged over 60 years. Patients were treated with front-line imatinib for at least 24 months in durable complete cytogenetic response (CCyR). CCyR is a sign that cancer has gone. Clinically significant (CS) late chronic anemia (LCA) was measured. CS late chronic anemia can be defined as the presence of persistent and otherwise unexplained hemoglobin (Hb) levels which occurred after 6 months from imatinib start.  

27.2% of patients experienced CS-LCA at different intervals from imatinib start. 31.8% of these patients needed packed red cell transfusions. Patients who developed CS-LCA were significantly older and had lower Hb average levels.  

27% of patients with CS-LCA received erythropoietin (EPO) injection at the standard dose. EPO is a treatment used to correct anemia by stimulating red blood cell production.  All of these patients achieved a response to EPO treatment.  

Patients with untreated CS-LCA had significantly worse survival without complication from the disease. 

This study concluded that clinically significant late chronic anemia is common in older patients with CML who are receiving imatinib treatment. 

This study included a small number of participants. Further studies are needed.  

Consult your physician about treatment for cancer related anemia.