Nilotinib as front-line treatment for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in early chronic phase.
OBJECTIVE
Although most patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase respond well to front-line therapy with imatinib, some patients do not achieve the desirable end point, and others may eventually lose response or are intolerant.


METHODS
Patients with newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase were treated with nilotinib 400 mg twice daily on an empty stomach as initial therapy.


RESULTS
Among 51 patients in chronic phase observed for at least 3 months, 50 (98%) achieved a complete cytogenetic remission (CCyR), and 39 (76%) achieved a major molecular response (MMR). Responses occurred rapidly, with 96% of patients achieving CCyR by 3 months and 98% achieving CCyR by 6 months. The projected event-free survival at 24 months is 90%, and all patients are alive after a median follow-up time of 17 months. Grade >or= 3 neutropenia occurred in 12% of patients, and thrombocytopenia in occurred 11%. Nonhematologic toxicity was usually grade 1 to 2 and manageable. The actual median dose at 12 months was 800 mg (range, 200 to 800 mg).


CONCLUSIONS
Nilotinib is an effective option for the initial management of CML in early chronic phase, producing high rates of CCyR and MMR, with most patients reaching these responses early during their therapy.
Cortes
Jorge E
JE
Departments of Leukemia and Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. jcortes@mdanderson.org
Jones
Dan
D
O'Brien
Susan
S
Jabbour
Elias
E
Konopleva
Marina
M
Ferrajoli
Alessandra
A
Kadia
Tapan
T
Borthakur
Gautam
G
Stigliano
Denise
D
Shan
Jianqin
J
Kantarjian
Hagop
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015466:Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic-Phase / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011743:Pyrimidines; C498826:nilotinib