a b s t r a c t
The aims were to investigate the feasibility of imatinib mesylate (IM) discontinuation in chronic myeloid
leukemia patients who were initially treated with IM and achieved complete molecular response (CMR).
Fourteen patients were included. Ten were relapsed within 9.5months after discontinuation of IM. All
7 patients with high Sokal risk were relapsed. The probability of CMR persistence at 1-year was 28.6%.
All relapsed patients were still responsive to IM. A high Sokal risk and delayed acquisition of CMR were
associated with relapse. IM discontinuation in patients achieved CMR after treatment with front-line IM
might be feasible. Further studies are warranted.
© 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0145-2126/PIIS...