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Platelet Dysfunction linked to TKI therapy in CML

December 7, 2014 – San Francisco, California – A high prevalence of platelet dysfunction has been demonstrated in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) receiving all types of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including imatinib. This conclusion of a descriptive, cross-sectional study was reported at the 56th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Francisco from December 6 – 9, 2014.

“Imatinib is the most commonly used first-line treatment for chronic-phase CML in Thailand. Now that we know there is a high prevalence of platelet dysfunction in patients receiving a TKI, particularly imatinib, physicians may want to exercise caution when a patient on TKI undergoes an invasive procedure, especially if the patient is taking concomitant antiplatelet medications” .....

http://www.practiceupdate.com/news/6482

Thank you for posting this study Sandy. I am wondering if there is, in fact, a way that one can find out if one has a platelet dysfunction? I have been on imatinib for 14 years - the last six at 600mg. I am still going! At 79 I feel so grateful to the NHS and your CML forum for getting me this far. With love to you this Christmastime.

I realise platelet information comes in a full blood count, but I wondered if there was another way to diagnose platelet dysfunction information? Does the study just use platelet information to make its findings? I had pernicious anemia last year and my platelets were very low. When I was diagnosed with CML I had severe bruising and bleeding gums for a year beforehand - yet my platelets were always ok. I am a bit perplexed. As I am an older person (somewhat a problem in its own way) I am more likely to face invasive surgery for hips etc. Pat

I am not sure Pat.... I will try to find out and let you know.

Best wishes to you and glad to hear you are still doing well,
sandy