In a nutshell
This study looked at the effect of stopping ponatinib (Iclusig) therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Researchers found that overall survival was high in these patients who stopped ponatinib.
Some background
Ponatinib is a drug that is used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It has many side effects related to the heart and blood vessels. This often leads to stopping ponatinib treatment. It is important to research the effect of stopping ponatinib in these patients.
Methods & findings
51 patients who received ponatinib were included in the study. Ponatinib treatment lasted on average 10.5 to 14.8 months. 38 patients stopped due to advice by the FDA. 13 patients stopped due to side effects. The average follow-up of patients was 39 months.
At the time of stopping treatment, 92% of patients had a complete response and 8% had a partial response. Of the 4 patients who had a partial response to ponatinib, 2 improved to a complete response after stopping ponatinib and starting second-line therapy. A further 5 patients had a deepened response after stopping ponatinib. One patient lost response after stopping ponatinib.
After 3 years, 92% of patients survived without no signs of disease, 96% of patients survived overall.
The bottom line
The study concluded that stopping ponatinib was safe in patients with CML. Side effects occurred for up to 9 months after stopping ponatinib.
The fine print
This study was small and looked at older data. Newer and larger studies are needed to confirm results. Ponatinib is not approved or recommended as initial therapy for CML.
Published By :
Leukemia & lymphoma
Date :
May 24, 2019
