title: Molecular surveillance of chronic myeloid leukemia patients in the imatinib era - evaluation of response and resistance.
abstract: Residual disease in chronic myeloid leukemia patients may be assessed by various molecular methods. After imatinib treatment a significant proportion of patients achieve complete cytogenetic remission (CCR) and a sensitive method is necessary to monitor treatment response and to detect early signs of relapse. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is by far the most sensitive approach to assess residual disease in this group of patients. Qualitative PCR methods give only limited information about the residual leukemic mass. Quantitative RT-PCR (Q-PCR) assays enable to monitor the kinetics of residual BCR-ABL transcripts over time in patients with a good response to imatinib. Early Q-PCR results on imatinib treatment can help to identify individuals who are likely to have a good response. In chronic phase patients after CCR, Q-PCR may identify patients who are likely to continue with their CCR or to relapse and may help to optimize treatment for this group of patients. The definition of molecular surrogate endpoints beyond CCR for studies which are currently planned demands standardization of the nomenclature and of technologies to measure these targets.
authors.affiliation: III. Medizinische Klinik, Fakultät für Klinische Medizin Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany. peter.paschka@med3.med.uni-heidelberg.de
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Paschka
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Merx
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hochhaus
mesh_terms: D001549:Benzamides; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate