European Treatment and Outcome Study (Eutos) Score Predicts Early Molecular Response to Imatinib Therapy in Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients (Cp-Cml)

Abstract

rd month using quantitative RT-PCR. Results were expressed as BCR-ABL/ABL ratio. Early molecular response (EMR) was defined as a transcript level ≤ 10%. Univariate and multivariate analysis (Linear regression) was performed to identify potential factors associated with the achievement of EMR. Univariate analysis (Linear regression) with RQPCR value at 3 rd month as dependent variable in relation to the other continuous variables was performed. Variables showing statistically significant association with the outcome (EMR at 3 rd month) at p < 0.05 were considered as candidate variables for inclusion in the multivariate model. Multivariate analysis (linear regression) was performed with the potential candidate variables as the co-variates. SPSS software version 17.0 was used for analysis. Results: The study population included 68 newly diagnosed patients of CP-CML, of which 55.88% (38) were males. The median age at diagnosis in our cohort was 46 years. According to Sokal risk stratification 55.88% (38), 33.82% (23) and10.29% (07) were in high, intermediate and low risk respectively. As per Hasford risk stratification score 25% (17), 61.76% (42), and 13.24% (09) were in high,intermediate and low risk respectively. EUTOS score stratified 58.82% (40) of patients as high risk and 41.18% (28) as low risk. 69.12% (47) of patients had b3a2 transcript and 30.88% (21) had b2a2 transcripts. 32.35% (22) achieved EMR at 3 rd month. In univariate analysis, spleen size (p= <0.001),pretreatment basophil percentage(p= <0.001),WBC count at 3 rd month (p = 0.006),percentage of Ph+ metaphases at 3 rd month(p = 0.009) and EUTOS score (p = < 0.001) significantly predicted the achievement of EMR. In multivariate analysis spleen size(p = 0.01), pretreatment basophil percentage(p = < 0.001) and EUTOS score (p = < 0.001) significantly predicted the achievement of EMR. Conclusions: EUTOS score at diagnosis predicts early molecular response to imatinib therapy at 3 rd month.