New long-term studies show that imatinib (Gleevec) continues to show great efficacy and good tolerance as a first-line therapy for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). More than 90% of patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase CML treated initially with imatinib are still alive and free of progression after four years of therapy. The yearly risk of progression to the advanced phases of disease fell to less than 1% in the fourth year. CML patients in complete cytogenetic response who had an adequate reduction in their BCR-ABL transcript levels at one year have a good chance at achieving a much greater reduction after four years of imatinib treatment. And a comparative analysis reveals for the first time a significant survival benefit at three years for newly diagnosed CML patients in chronic phase who received initial imatinib therapy.
Go to Previous Page
Go to Next Page