A retrospective evaluation of chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients treated with imatinib at Ege University Department of Hematology over an eight-year period. Material and Methods: This observational retrospective study included 72 chronic phase CML patients aged over 18 years, treated with imatinib. Patients in the blastic or accelerated phases were excluded. Clinical, socio-demographic, and laboratory data were collected from the patient files. Patients were divided as early chronic phase (treated with imatinib within 6 months of diagnosis) and late chronic phase (started imatinib therapy at least 6 months after diagnosis). Hematologic, molecular, and cytogenetic responses at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months of imatinib therapy were recorded. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Hematologic response at 3 months with imatinib was 80.5%, increasing to 94.7% at following months. Complete cytogenetic remission (CCyR) was achieved in 80% of patients within the 12 months. Overall response rate was 83.3% with a median follow-up of 10 years. The incidence of adverse events was 30.5%, compromising mostly non-hematologic toxicities such as edema and skin changes. Despite the adverse events, imatinib demonstrated significant clinical benefits comparable to second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Conclusion: Over a decade has passed since our study was designed, yet imatinib continues to be a cornerstone in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Imatinib is still an effective frontline therapy for CML, with high response rates, cost-effectivity and manageable toxicities.