Nilotinib versus imatinib in patients (pts) with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP): ENESTnd 3-year (yr) follow-up (f/u).

Abstract

6509^ Background: In ENESTnd, nilotinib significantly reduced progression to AP/BC and demonstrated superior rates of MMR, MR4, and MR4.5 vs imatinib with f/u of 2 yrs. Methods: 846 pts with Ph+ CML-CP were randomized to nilotinib 300 mg BID (n = 282), nilotinib 400 mg BID (n = 281), or imatinib 400 mg QD (n = 283). Here, we report 3-yr f/u data. Results: Both nilotinib doses continued to demonstrate significantly higher rates of MMR, MR4, and MR4.5 vs imatinib. In a landmark analysis, pts with BCR-ABL transcript levels ≤ 10% at 3 months (mo) had a higher probability of achieving MMR by 1 and 2 yrs vs pts with transcript levels > 10%. No new progressions occurred on treatment since the 2-yr analysis; rates of progression to AP/BC including events on treatment (n = 2, 3, 12) and those occurring both on treatment and after discontinuation (n = 9, 6, 19) were significantly lower for nilotinib 300 mg BID and nilotinib 400 mg BID vs imatinib, respectively. At 3 yrs, OS considering only CML-related deaths was significantly higher for nilotinib vs imatinib. The safety profiles of nilotinib and imatinib were similar to those at 2 yrs. Conclusions: 3-yr f/u confirms the superiority of nilotinib vs imatinib and an acceptable tolerability profile for the treatment of pts with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP. [Table: see text]