title: "Real-life" results of front-line treatment with Imatinib in older patients (≥ 65 years) with newly diagnosed chronic myelogenous leukemia.
abstract: The age role was evaluated in 117 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed CML at our Institution treated with front-line Imatinib from 9/02 to 3/08. Forty patients (34.1%) aged ≥ 65 years and 77 (65.9%) <65 years. Thirty-four older patients (85%) had at least 1 comorbidity versus 39 younger patients (50.6%) (p<0.001). Complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) was achieved in 34/40 older patients (85%) as compared to 69/77 younger patients (89.6%), without statistically significant differences. Severe (grades 3-4 WHO) hematological and extra-hematological toxicities were more common in older patients (p=0.02 and p=0.017, respectively). Rates of permanent Imatinib discontinuation and dose reduction to 300 mg or less were significantly higher in older patients (p=0.009 and p=0.001, respectively). In conclusion, Imatinib in older patients with newly diagnosed CML seems to have the same efficacy as in younger patients, but tends to be more toxic, leading to higher rates of discontinuation and dose reduction. To overcome this problem, future trials concerning best dosage in this subset of patients could be useful.
authors: Department of Cellular Biotechnology and Hematology, University La Sapienza of Rome, Via Benevento 6, 00161 Rome, Italy. rob.lati@libero.it
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Latagliata
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Breccia
authors: Ida
authors: I
authors: Carmosino
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Cannella
authors: Rosa
authors: R
authors: De Cuia
authors: Daniela
authors: D
authors: Diverio
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Frustaci
authors: Giuseppina
authors: G
authors: Loglisci
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Mancini
authors: Michelina
authors: M
authors: Santopietro
authors: Caterina
authors: C
authors: Stefanizzi
authors: Paola
authors: P
authors: Volpicelli
authors: Federico
authors: F
authors: Vozella
authors: Giuliana
authors: G
authors: Alimena
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001549:Benzamides; D015897:Comorbidity; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000633:toxicity; D012074:Remission Induction; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate