Abstract
BackgroundImatinib was the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has revolutionized the therapy of chronic myeloid leukemia. It binds breakpoint cluster region–Abelson kinase domain inducing apoptosis of the leukemic cells. In this study, we assessed the efficacy and toxicity of imatinib therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) in our hospital. Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the outcome of 17 patients with CML-CP treated with imatinib. ResultsThe median age at the time of presentation was 35 years with male preponderance. The most common presenting clinical features were fatigue, abdominal distention, and discomfort. Forty-seven percent of patients had fever at presentation whereas 35.29% were referred to our hospital because of incidental findings of high blood cell counts. With a median follow-up of 8 years (range, 2-16 years) the overall survival is 100% and progression-free survival 85%. Two patients had acceptable adverse effects. ConclusionAfter a median follow-up of 8 years, imatinib was found to induce long survival with manageable side effect in adult Saudi patients with CML-CP.
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