Pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia: A decade of clinical experience at the NBK specialized hospital for children

Pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia is rare and differs from adult disease. We retrospectively reviewed 12 children (median age 8.4 years, six males) treated with imatinib (340 mg/m²/day) from 2010 to 2020; dasatinib was used for intolerance. All presented with leukocytosis (median WBC, 358 × 10 9 /L) and splenomegaly. Imatinib achieved complete hematologic response in 92% by 3 months and 100% by 6 months; major molecular response was observed in all evaluable cases at 12 months. Three who lost response switched to dasatinib and maintained remission; two attained treatment-free remission. TKIs are effective; prospective studies should optimize risk stratification and discontinuation.