Abstract
10508 Background: We previously demonstrated that imatinib mesylate (IM, Gleevec/Glivec; Novartis Pharma) must not be interrupted after 1 and 3 years (yr) in responding patients (pts) and has to be given continuously until disease progression (PD) or intolerance. The impact of IM re-introduction at progression remains unknown regarding the impact of the interruption on the TSR. Methods: This prospective national multicenter BFR14 study was initiated in June 2002. After 1, 3, and 5 yrs of IM 400mg/day, pts free from progression were randomly offered to continue (C arm) or interrupt (I arm) IM. Pts allocated to the I arm could restart IM (same dose) in case of PD. Primary endpoint was PFS. Pts declining randomization proceed with IM. Results: As of December 2008, 415 pts were included in this trial. Fifty-eight, 50 and 12 (ongoing) non progressive pts at 1, 3 and 5 yrs respectively were randomized in the I and C arm. Pt characteristics were well balanced between the two arms. The median time to progression (TTP) were 7.3 months (m) (rate of relapse: 91% of pts) and 9.4 m (rate of relapse: 84%) in the I arms after 1 and 3 years of treatment. In contrast the median TTP were 31.4 m and not reached in the C arms after 1 and 3 yrs of IM treatment respectively. IM reintroduction in the I arm after a re-progression allowed again a tumor control in 93% (43/46) of pts. The median follow-up from randomization is 56 m and 25 m at 1 and 3 yrs respectively. TSR after randomization to IM (first progression in the C arm, 2nd progression in the I arm) was not significantly different between the two arms (the 2-yrs TSR is similar in both arms 63% and 62% in the I and C arm respectively for the 1-yr randomization, 83.5% and 84.3% for the 3-yr randomization) but the rate of secondary resistance decrease over time in both arms: 40% or relapse in the 2 yrs following the 1 yr randomization vs less than 20% or relapse in the 2 yrs following the 3-yrs randomization. Conclusions: The majority of responding pts relapsed when IM was stopped after 1 and 3 yrs of treatment but response is reinduced in 93% of patients after IM reintroduction. TSR was not significantly affected by treatment interruption in this series of pts. [Table: see text]
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