Current status of imatinib as frontline therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia

Abstract

Imatinib is remarkably effective in treating newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase. However, at 5 years more than one third of the patients have abandoned the medication on account of side effects, lack of efficacy, or progression. Here we review the current results with imatinib, the prognostic factors for response, and issues associated with long-term treatment with imatinib such as pregnancy, adherence to therapy, and complete molecular responses.