Stopping TKI treatment in chronic myeloid leukemia

This study was an update on the guidelines of stopping tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). New guidelines confirm the safety of stopping TKI therapy in patients with CML.

Chronic myeloid leukemia is often treated with TKI therapy. These are drugs which target certain proteins on cancer cells. This leads to cancer cell death. TKIs may be stopped when patients show a good response. This is important to avoid side effects. Many doctors are unaware of this. It is important to research the safety of stopping TKI treatment in patients with CML.

Patients who want to improve the quality of life and avoid side effects should be considered for stopping TKI therapy. Stopping TKI therapy should be considered in young women who may want to conceive.

Importantly, TKI therapy may be stopped in patients who have a stable response to treatment. In patients whose disease returns after stopping TKI, stopping TKI a second time may be tried after another stable response.

A TKI treatment duration of approximately 6 years was linked to a higher likelihood of a long-term response after stopping TKIs. It is important that stopping TKI is done with the advice of a specialized doctor after taking into consideration all the possible benefits and side effects. 

The study concluded that stopping TKI therapy may be possible in patients who have had a good response to ot treatment.

If you have any concerns about stopping TKI therapy, please discuss this with your doctor.