Molecular monitoring of response in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the importance of regular, consistent use of molecular testing to monitor treatment response and minimal residual disease in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), as recommended in established practice guidelines.


METHODS
This review outlines the efficacy of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in eliciting significant treatment responses in patients with CML; describes the positive effect of achieving molecular responses on long-term outcomes; discusses the importance of regular, consistent molecular monitoring in CML; and highlights issues critical to the implementation of molecular monitoring in routine practice.


METHODS
Published literature pertaining to molecular monitoring of the response to BCR-ABL1 TKI therapy for CML was searched and reviewed.


RESULTS
BCR-ABL1 TKI therapy for CML can reduce the disease burden to a level detectable only by molecular methods. Although practice guidelines recognize the importance of molecular monitoring of disease
Northwest Cancer Specialists, Vancouver, WA 98684, USA. Kathryn.Kolibaba@USOncology.com
Kathryn S
KS
Kolibaba
D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D006801:Humans; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases