Discontinuing Imatinib in Patients with Chronic-Phase CML

Some patients with complete molecular remission remained relapse free after discontinuation of imatinib therapy.

In patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), continuous treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib mesylate is recommended to prevent clinical relapse. Can patients who achieve complete molecular remission (CMR) safely discontinue imatinib?

To find out, investigators in France conducted a prospective, multicenter trial involving 69 adult chronic-phase CML patients who had been treated with imatinib for ≥3 years and had remained in complete molecular remission (CMR) for ≥2 years, as determined by undetectable BCR-ABL on repeated quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RT-PCR analysis of peripheral blood samples was conducted monthly for the first 12 months after treatment stopp…

Reviewing Author

Michael E. Williams, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAbbVie; AstraZeneca; Beigene; Janssen; Pharmacyclics

Grant/Research SupportJanssen

Editorial BoardsAmerican Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Hematology Longitudinal Knowledge Approval Committee

Michael E. Williams, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAbbVie; AstraZeneca; Beigene; Janssen; Pharmacyclics

Grant/Research SupportJanssen

Editorial BoardsAmerican Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Hematology Longitudinal Knowledge Approval Committee