Prognostic Significance of Early Molecular Response in Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase Treated with Nilotinib as a First-Line Therapy

Abstract

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant hematologic disease that arises from the pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells. According to the guidelines issued by the European LeukemiaNet (ELN), BCR-ABL transcript levels on the international scale (BCR-ABLIS) at 3 and 6 months are defined as indicators of the early efficacy of first-line TKI treatment. A BCR-ABLIS ≤10% after 3 months of TKI treatment or BCR-ABLIS <1% after 6 months of treatment indicates an optimal response to TKI therapy with no need to adjust the therapeutic strategy. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of early molecular response (EMR; BCR-ABL ≤ 10% on the International scale [BCR-ABLIS] at 3 or 6 months) on outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase treated with Nilotinib.