Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the frontline management of CML: an overview

Abstract

The introduction of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has revolutionized CML therapy. These agents have increased the life expectancy of CML patients to 98% of those in the general population. Since the first approval of imatinib for CML treatment (by the US FDA in 2001), three additional TKIs have been approved for the indication of frontline therapy in CML during chronic phase (CP), including: dasatinib, nilotinib and bosutinib. This article will discuss the initial steps for newly diagnosed CML patients, its frontline therapy, and its management.