In a nutshell
This study reviewed the changes in survival and outcome in patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Researchers found that the introduction of TKI treatment has improved outcomes and survival.
Some background
Chronic myeloid leukemia is a disease of the bone marrow. It is often linked with abnormal genes that can lead to abnormal immune cells. TKIs are drugs which target certain abnormal proteins on cancer cells. It is important to research the safety and effectiveness of these treatments.
Methods & findings
Imatinib (Gleevec) was the first TKI developed as a safe and effective drug for CML. A German study of 1379 patients using imatinib had an overall survival of 89% after an average of 7.1 years. Other studies showed side effects of imatinib included diarrhea (46.1%), nausea (41.1%), muscle spasms (33.9%) and vomiting (26.8%).
Nilotinib (Tasigna) and dasatinib (Sprycel) were developed as second-line TKIs for patients who did not respond to imatinib. Studies have shown that these drugs are very effective and safe in the treatment of CML. Nilotinib treatment had a 59% response rate after 2 years. Dasatinib response rate was 63%. Side effects of nilotinib in the studies included rash (31%), itchy skin (26%), nausea (25%), tiredness (21%) and headache (18%). Side effects of dasatinib included headaches (33%), diarrhea (25%), tiredness (24%), shortness of breath (19%) and muscle pain (19%).
TKIs differ in response rates but no difference has been found in overall survival.
The bottom line
The study concluded that TKI therapy has greatly improved outcomes in patients with CML.
What’s next?
If you have any questions and concerns about TKI therapy, discuss with your doctor.
Published By :
Clinical lymphoma, myeloma & leukemia
Date :
Nov 01, 2018
