Dasatinib in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in accelerated phase after imatinib failure: the START a trial

An Update on the Management of Advanced Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

While most patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) present in a chronic phase and are expected to have a normal life expectancy, some patients present with or progress to a more aggressive accelerated phase (AP) or blast phase (BP) of CML. Herein, we discuss the diagnostic considerations of advanced phase CML and review its contemporary management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Later-generation, more potent BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as ponatinib may result in superior outcomes in patients with advanced phase CML. For CML-BP, combination approaches directed against the blast immunophenotype appear superior to TKI monotherapy. The role of allogeneic stem cell transplantation is controversial in CML-AP but has consistently been shown to improve outcomes for patients with CML-BP. Advanced phase CML, particularly CML-BP, remains a poor risk subtype of CML. However, novel combination approaches using later-generation TKIs are being explored in clinical trials and may lead to improved outcomes.

Hematological Adverse Events with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) that target the pathological BCR-ABL1 fusion oncogene. The objective of this statistical meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence of other hematological adverse events (AEs) that occur during or after predominantly first-line treatment with TKIs. Data from seventy peer-reviewed, published studies were included in the analysis. Hematological AEs were assessed as a function of TKI drug type (dasatinib, imatinib, bosutinib, nilotinib) and CML phase (chronic, accelerated, blast). AE prevalence aggregated across all severities and phases was significantly different between each TKI (p < 0.05) for anemia-dasatinib (54.5%), bosutinib (44.0%), imatinib (32.8%), nilotinib (11.2%); neutropenia-dasatinib (51.2%), imatinib (29.8%), bosutinib (14.1%), nilotinib (14.1%); thrombocytopenia-dasatinib (62.2%), imatinib (30.4%), bosutinib (35.3%), nilotinib (22.3%). AE prevalence aggregated across all severities and TKIs was significantly (p < 0.05) different between CML phases for anemia-chronic (28.4%), accelerated (66.9%), blast (55.8%); neutropenia-chronic (26.7%), accelerated (63.8%), blast (36.4%); thrombocytopenia-chronic (33.3%), accelerated (65.6%), blast (37.9%). An odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval was used to compare hematological AE prevalence of each TKI compared to the most common first-line TKI therapy, imatinib. For anemia, dasatinib OR = 1.65, [1.51, 1.83]; bosutinib OR = 1.34, [1.16, 1.54]; nilotinib OR = 0.34, [0.30, 0.39]. For neutropenia, dasatinib OR = 1.72, [1.53, 1.92]; bosutinib OR = 0.47, [0.38, 0.58]; nilotinib OR = 0.47, [0.42, 0.54]. For thrombocytopenia, dasatinib OR = 2.04, [1.82, 2.30]; bosutinib OR = 1.16, [0.97, 1.39]; nilotinib OR = 0.73, [0.65, 0.82]. Nilotinib had the greatest fraction of severe (grade 3/4) hematological AEs (30%). In conclusion, the overall prevalence of hematological AEs by TKI type was: dasatinib > bosutinib > imatinib > nilotinib. Study limitations include inability to normalize for dosage and treatment duration.

First-line second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with newly diagnosed accelerated phase chronic myeloid leukemia

Accelerated phase (AP) CML at onset and have poorer prognosis than CP-CML. We hypothesize that off-license use of second generation TKI (TKI2) as front-line therapy might counterbalance this poor prognosis, with limited toxicity. In "real-life" conditions, newly diagnosed patients meeting the ELN cytological criteria for AP-CML or harboring ACA and treated with first-line TKI2 were included in this retrospective multicenter observational study. We enrolled 69 patients [69.5 % male, median age 49.5 years, median follow-up 43.5 months], segregated into hematologic AP [HEM-AP (n = 32)] and cytogenetically defined AP [ACA-AP (n = 37)]. Hematologic parameters were worse in HEM-AP [spleen size (p = 0.014), PB basophils (p < .001), PB blasts (p < .001), PB blasts+promyelocytes (p < .001), low hemoglobin levels (p < .001)]. Dasatinib was initiated in 56 % patients in HEM-AP and in 27 % in ACA-AP, nilotinib in 44 % and 73 % respectively. Response and survival do not differ, regardless of the TKI2: 81 % vs 84.3 % patients achieved CHR, 88 % vs 84 % CCyR, 73 % vs 75 % MMR respectively. The estimated 5-year PFS 91.5 % (95%CI: 84.51-99.06 %) and 5-year OS 96.84 % (95%CI: 92.61-100 %). Only BM blasts (p < 0.001) and BM blasts+promyelocytes (p < 0.001) at diagnosis negatively influenced OS. TKI2 as front-line therapy in newly diagnosed AP-CML induce excellent responses and survival, and counterbalance the negative impact of advanced disease phase.

Hepatotoxicity of Small Molecule Protein Kinase Inhibitors for Cancer

Small molecule protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) have become an effective strategy for cancer patients. However, hepatotoxicity is a major safety concern of these drugs, since the majority are reported to increase transaminases, and few of them (Idelalisib, Lapatinib, Pazopanib, Pexidartinib, Ponatinib, Regorafenib, Sunitinib) have a boxed label warning. The exact rate of PKI-induced hepatoxicity is not well defined due to the fact that the majority of data arise from pre-registration or registration trials on fairly selected patients, and the post-marketing data are often based only on the most severe described cases, whereas most real practice studies do not include drug-related hepatotoxicity as an end point. Although these side effects are usually reversible by dose adjustment or therapy suspension, or by switching to an alternative PKI, and fatality is uncommon, all patients undergoing PKIs should be carefully pre-evaluated and monitored. The management of this complication requires an individually tailored reappraisal of the risk/benefit ratio, especially in patients who are responding to therapy. This review reports the currently available data on the risk and management of hepatotoxicity of all the approved PKIs.

The effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitor for chronic myeloid leukemia in tuberous sclerosis. A case report and review of literature

The relationship between chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and tuberous sclerosis (TS) is unusual and uncommon. Here, we report a 24-year-old woman diagnosed with TS and later identified with CML, as the second case reported with such coexistence, treated with Nilotinib. This article proposes a hypothesis to explain the association. Therefore, we propose Nilotinib for the treatment of patients with such coexisting diseases. Further studies are warranted to reveal the dynamics between these conditions.

Pathogenesis and management of accelerated and blast phases of chronic myeloid leukemia

The treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has been a model for cancer therapy development. Though most patients with CML have a normal quality and duration of life with TKI therapy, some patients progress to accelerated phase (AP) and blast phase (BP), both of which have a relatively poor prognosis. The rates of progression have reduced significantly from over >20% in the pre-TKI era to <5% now, largely due to refinements in CML therapy and response monitoring. Significant insights have been gained into the mechanisms of disease transformation including the role of additional cytogenetic abnormalities, somatic mutations, and other genomic alterations present at diagnosis or evolving on therapy. This knowledge is helping to optimize TKI therapy, improve prognostication and inform the development of novel combination regimens in these patients. While patients with de novo CML-AP have outcomes almost similar to CML in chronic phase (CP), those transformed from previously treated CML-CP should receive second- or third- generation TKIs and be strongly considered for allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Similarly, patients with transformed CML-BP have particularly dismal outcomes with a median survival usually less than one year. Combination regimens with a potent TKI such as ponatinib followed by allo-SCT can achieve long-term survival in some transformed BP patients. Regimens including venetoclax in myeloid BP or inotuzumab ozogamicin or blinatumomab in lymphoid BP might lead to deeper and longer responses, facilitating potentially curative allo-SCT for patients with CML-BP once CP is achieved. Newer agents and novel combination therapies are further expanding the therapeutic arsenal in advanced phase CML.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: 2022 Update on Diagnosis, Therapy and Monitoring

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm with an incidence of 1-2 cases per 100,000 adults. It accounts for approximately 15% of newly diagnosed cases of leukemia in adults DIAGNOSIS: CML is characterized by a balanced genetic translocation, t (9;22) (q34;q11.2), involving a fusion of the Abelson gene (ABL1) from chromosome 9q34 with the breakpoint cluster region (BCR) gene on chromosome 22q11.2. This rearrangement is known as the Philadelphia chromosome. The molecular consequence of this translocation is the generation of a BCR::ABL1 fusion oncogene, which in turn translates into a BCR::ABL1 oncoprotein.

FRONTLINE THERAPY

Four tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), imatinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, and nilotinib are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for first-line treatment of newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase (CML-CP). Clinical trials with second generation TKIs reported significantly deeper and faster responses but had no impact on survival prolongation, likely because of the availability of effective TKIs salvage therapies for patients who have a cytogenetic relapse with frontline TKI therapy.

SALVAGE THERAPY

For CML post failure on frontline therapy, second-line options include second and third generation TKIs. Although potent and selective, these TKIs exhibit unique pharmacological profiles and response patterns relative to different patient and disease characteristics, such as patients' comorbidities, disease stage, and BCR::ABL1 mutational status. Patients who develop the T315I "gatekeeper" mutation display resistance to all currently available TKIs except ponatinib, asciminib, and olverembatinib. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains an important therapeutic option for patients with CML-CP and failure (due to resistance) of at least 2 TKIs, and for all patients in advanced phase disease. Older patients who have a cytogenetic relapse post failure on all TKIs can maintain long-term survival if they continue a daily most effective/least toxic TKI, with or without the addition of non-TKI anti-CML agents (hydroxyurea, omacetaxine, azacitidine, decitabine, cytarabine, busulfan, others). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Unilateral Interstitial Lung Disease with Contralateral Effusion: Unusual Case Report of Dasatinib Toxicity

Dasatinib is a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) used in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). While pleural effusion due to Dasatinib is well described in the literature, interstitial lung disease (ILD) caused by it is rare. A 60-year-old gentleman was on treatment with 100 mg of tablet Dasatinib per day for chronic myeloid leukemia. He presented to the outpatient department with history of progressive breathlessness over 2 months. High-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) thorax revealed mild right-sided effusion and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) pattern of ILD in the left lower lobe. Thoracocentesis of the right-sided pleural effusion showed exudative and lymphocytic rich pleural effusion. The effusion was negative for malignant cells or infection. Biopsy of the left lower lobe was consistent with the diagnosis of ILD. He was started on prednisolone which was gradually tapered and stopped. At 3 months, there was a complete resolution of the ILD and pleural effusion. Clinicians need to be aware about the pleuroparenchymal toxicities of Dasatinib. Early diagnosis and treatment with steroids can lead to complete resolution of the signs and symptoms.

The Evolving Landscape of Frontline Therapy in Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of mature and maturing granulocytes. The disease is characterized by the presence of translocation t(9;22) leading to the abnormal BCR-ABL fusion. Historically, treatment options included hydroxyurea, busulfan, and interferon-α (IFN-α), with allogeneic stem cell transplant being the only potential curative therapy. More recently, the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has revolutionized the treatment of CML and turned a once fatal disease into a chronic and manageable disorder. This review aims to discuss the frontline treatment options in chronic-phase CML, provide recommendations for tailoring frontline treatment to the patient, and explore emerging therapies in the field.

RECENT FINDINGS

The first-generation TKI, imatinib, was FDA approved in 2001 for use in CML. Following the approval and success of imatinib, second- and third-generation TKIs have been developed providing deeper responses, faster responses, and different toxicity profiles. With numerous options available in the frontline setting, choosing the best initial treatment for each individual patient has become a more complex decision. When choosing a frontline therapy for patients with chronic-phase CML, one should consider disease risk, comorbid conditions, and the goal of therapy.

Chronic myeloid leukemia: 2020 update on diagnosis, therapy and monitoring

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm with an incidence of 1-2 cases per 100 000 adults. It accounts for approximately 15% of newly diagnosed cases of leukemia in adults.

DIAGNOSIS

CML is characterized by a balanced genetic translocation, t(9;22)(q34;q11.2), involving a fusion of the Abelson gene (ABL1) from chromosome 9q34 with the breakpoint cluster region (BCR) gene on chromosome 22q11.2. This rearrangement is known as the Philadelphia chromosome. The molecular consequence of this translocation is the generation of a BCR-ABL1 fusion oncogene, which in turn translates into a BCR-ABL oncoprotein.

FRONTLINE THERAPY

Four tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, and bosutinib are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for first-line treatment of newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase (CML-CP). Clinical trials with second generation TKIs reported significantly deeper and faster responses, but they had no impact on survival prolongation, likely because of the existence of highly effective salvage therapies for patients who have a cytogenetic relapse with frontline TKI.

SALVAGE THERAPY

For CML post failure on frontline therapy, second-line options include second and third generation TKIs. Although potent and selective, these exhibit unique pharmacological profiles and response patterns relative to different patient and disease characteristics, such as patients' comorbidities, disease stage, and BCR-ABL1 mutational status. Patients who develop the T315I "gatekeeper" mutation display resistance to all currently available TKIs except ponatinib. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains an important therapeutic option for patients with CML-CP who have failed at least 2 TKIs, and for all patients in advanced phase disease. Even among older patients who have a cytogenetic relapse post failure on all TKIs, they can maintain long-term survival if they continue on a daily most effective/less toxic TKI, with or without the addition of non-TKI anti-CML agents (hydroxyurea, omacetaxine, azacitidine, decitabine, cytarabine, busulfan, others).

Management of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Advanced Phase

Management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in advanced phases remains a challenge also in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) treatment. Cytogenetic clonal evolution and development of resistant mutations represent crucial events that limit the benefit of subsequent therapies in these patients. CML is diagnosed in accelerated (AP) or blast phase (BP) in <5% of patients, and the availability of effective treatments for chronic phase (CP) has dramatically reduced progressions on therapy. Due to smaller number of patients, few randomized studies are available in this setting and evidences are limited. Nevertheless, three main scenarios may be drawn: (a) patients diagnosed in AP are at higher risk of failure as compared to CP patients, but if they achieve optimal responses with frontline TKI treatment their outcome may be similarly favorable; (b) patients diagnosed in BP may be treated with TKI alone or with TKI together with conventional chemotherapy regimens, and subsequent transplant decisions should rely on kinetics of response and individual transplant risk; (c) patients in CP progressing under TKI treatment represent the most challenging population and they should be treated with alternative TKI according to the mutational profile, optional chemotherapy in BP patients, and transplant should be considered in suitable cases after return to second CP. Due to lack of validated and reliable markers to predict blast crisis and the still unsatisfactory results of treatments in this setting, prevention of progression by careful selection of frontline treatment in CP and early treatment intensification in non-optimal responders remains the main goal. Personalized evaluation of response kinetics could help in identifying patients at risk for progression.

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Chronic-Phase CML: Strategies for Frontline Decision-making

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Over the past two decades, the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has transformed the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). With four agents currently approved for frontline use in chronic-phase (CP) disease, it follows that treatment decision-making has been rendered more challenging. Here we will review recent advances that help inform the selection of a first-line TKI.

RECENT FINDINGS

Extended follow-up of the seminal CML trials has demonstrated the long-term efficacy of TKIs, while also highlighting significant differences in their respective toxicity profiles and potency. Dasatinib and nilotinib generate deeper molecular responses than imatinib, particularly among patients with higher risk disease, but this has not translated into a significant survival advantage. Similar results have been obtained at 1 year with bosutinib; its efficacy and toxicity were well balanced at a dose of 400 mg daily, prompting its recent approval for this indication. Lastly, multiple studies have demonstrated that TKIs can be safely discontinued in select individuals who have maintained deep responses for extended periods, establishing treatment-free remission as a novel goal in CP CML. The careful consideration of parameters such as disease risk, the potency, and toxicity profile of each TKI, as well as each patient's unique comorbidities and preferences, enables truly individualized therapeutic decision-making in CP CML, with the goal of ensuring that a high quality of life accompanies the survival advantage conferred by these agents.

Four-year follow-up of patients with imatinib-resistant or intolerant chronic myeloid leukemia receiving dasatinib: efficacy and safety

Dasatinib is a highly effective second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In 2007, a pivotal phase-2 study of dasatinib as second-line treatment was initiated in 140 Chinese CML patients. This report from the 4-year follow-up revealed that 73% of 59 patients in chronic phase (CML-CP) and 32% of 25 patients in accelerated phase (CML-AP) remained under treatment. The initial dosage of dasatinib for CML-CP and CML-AP patients were 100 mg once daily and 70 mg twice daily (total = 140 mg/ day), respectively. The cumulative major cytogenetic response (MCyR) rate among patients with CML-CP was 66.1% (versus 50.8% at 18 months), and the median time to MCyR was 12.7 weeks. All CML-CP patients who achieved MCyR after a 4-year follow-up also achieved a complete cytogenetic response. The cumulative complete hematological response (CHR) rate among patients with CML-AP was 64% (16/25), with three CML-AP patients achieving CHR between 18 months and 4 years of follow-up; the median time to CHR was 16.4 weeks. The adverse event (AE) profile of dasatinib at 4 years was similar to that at 6 and 18 months. The most frequently reported AEs (any grade) included pleural effusion, headache, and myelosuppression. These long-term follow-up data continue to support dasatinib as a second-line treatment for Chinese patients with CML.

Pleural adverse drugs reactions and protein kinase inhibitors: Identification of suspicious targets by disproportionality analysis from VigiBase

AIMS

To evaluate the risk of pleural disorders (PD) associated with 33 protein kinase (PK) inhibitors (PKIs) through a disproportionality analysis and to identify which PKs and pathways are involved in PKI-induced PD.

METHODS

To evaluate the risk of PD, reporting odds ratios (RORs) were calculated for 33 PKIs through data registered in the World Health Organization safety report database (VigiBase). We undertook a literature review to identify PKs that were possibly involved in PD caused by PKIs. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) between RORs and affinity data of 19 PKIs were calculated to identify the cellular target most likely to be involved in PKI-induced PD.

RESULTS

A total of 235 110 individual case safety reports were extracted from the database for 33 available PKIs. Among these reports, 5001 concerned PD (2.1%). Significant and positive disproportionality for PD was found for 29 of 33 PKI included in our study with top values for dasatinib [ROR = 115.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 110.1-120.8], bosutinib (ROR = 20.4; 95% CI: 15.8-26.4) and ponatinib (ROR = 12; 95% CI: 9.2-15.6). Correlation analyses between the product of dissociation constant and ROR highlighted possibly Lyn involvement in PD with PKI (r = 0.73, P = 0.0004).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that 28 of the 33 tested PKIs were associated with PD. Besides, the study highlighted the role of Lyn in PD caused by PKIs through an immune-mediated process.

Chronic myeloid leukemia: 2018 update on diagnosis, therapy and monitoring

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm with an incidence of 1-2 cases per 100 000 adults. It accounts for approximately 15% of newly diagnosed cases of leukemia in adults.

DIAGNOSIS

CML is characterized by a balanced genetic translocation, t(9;22)(q34;q11.2), involving a fusion of the Abelson gene (ABL1) from chromosome 9q34 with the breakpoint cluster region (BCR) gene on chromosome 22q11.2. This rearrangement is known as the Philadelphia chromosome. The molecular consequence of this translocation is the generation of a BCR-ABL1 fusion oncogene, which in turn translates into a BCR-ABL1 oncoprotein. Frontline therapy: Four tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, and bosutinib are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for first-line treatment of patients with newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase (CML-CP). Clinical trials with second generation TKIs reported significantly deeper and faster responses; this has not translated into improved long-term survival, because of the availability of effective salvage therapies. Salvage therapy: For patients who fail frontline therapy, second-line options include second and third generation TKIs. Second and third generation TKIs, although potent and selective, exhibit unique pharmacological profiles and response patterns relative to different patient and disease characteristics, such as patients' comorbidities, disease stage, and BCR-ABL1 mutational status. Patients who develop the T315I "gatekeeper" mutation display resistance to all currently available TKIs except ponatinib. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains an important therapeutic option for patients with CML-CP who have failed at least 2 TKIs, and for all patients in CML advanced phases.

Phase I trial of dasatinib, lenalidomide, and temozolomide in children with relapsed or refractory central nervous system tumors

Single agent studies targeting the tumor microenvironment in central nervous system (CNS) tumors have largely been disappointing. Combination therapies targeting various pathways and cell types may be a more effective strategy. In this phase I study, we evaluated the combination of dasatinib, lenalidomide, and temozolomide in children with relapsed or refractory primary CNS tumors. Patients 1-21 years old with relapsed or refractory CNS tumors were eligible. Starting doses of dasatinib and lenalidomide were 65 mg/m²/dose twice daily and 55 mg/m² once daily, respectively, while temozolomide was constant at 75 mg/m² daily. The study followed a 3 + 3 phase I design, with a 4-week dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) evaluation period. Serial peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were evaluated in consenting patients. Fifteen patients were enrolled and thirteen were DLT-evaluable. DLTs occurred in 5 patients, including somnolence and confusion (1 patient), hypokalemia (1 patient) and thrombocytopenia (3 patients). The maximum tolerated dose for the combination was dasatinib 65 mg/m² twice daily, lenalidomide 40 mg/m² daily, and temozolomide 75 mg/m² daily, for 21 days followed by 7 days rest in repeating 28-day cycles. Transient increases in natural killer effector cells and cytotoxic T-cells were seen after 1 week of treatment. One out of six response-evaluable patients showed a partial response. The combination was feasible and relatively well tolerated in this heavily pre-treated population. The most common toxicities were hematologic. Preliminary evidence of clinical benefit was seen.

Dasatinib

Dasatinib is an oral available short-acting inhibitor of multiple tyrosine kinases. It was designed to inhibit ABL and SRC, but also has activity in multiple other kinases, including c-KIT, PDGFR-α, PDGFR-β, and ephrin receptor kinases. Dasatinib is a very potent inhibitor of BCR-ABL and an effective treatment for the BCR-ABL-driven diseases chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia-chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), characterized by the constitutively active tyrosine kinase, BCR-ABL. Dasatinib is approved for the treatment of CML (all phases) including children and for the treatment of Ph+ ALL, resistant or intolerant to prior imatinib treatment. Randomized trials in CML comparing dasatinib with imatinib show that first-line dasatinib causes significantly deeper and faster molecular remissions. In accelerated and blastic phase CML, as well as in Ph+ ALL, dasatinib frequently induces complete hematologic and cytogenetic remissions even in imatinib pretreated patients. Remissions however are often short. Dasatinib is administered independent of food intake as a once-daily dose of 100 mg in chronic phase CML and 140 mg in Ph+ ALL or blastic phase. Side effects of dasatinib are frequent but mostly moderate and manageable and include cytopenias and pleural effusions. The review presents the preclinical and clinical activity of dasatinib with a focus on clinical studies in CML.

Development and Validation of a Simultaneous Quantification Method of 14 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Human Plasma Using LC-MS/MS

BACKGROUND

A sensitive liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method for the analysis in a small volume of plasma of 14 tyrosine kinase inhibitors currently used (imatinib, dasatinib, ibrutinib, ponatinib, trametinib, sunitinib, cobimetinib, dabrafenib, erlotinib, lapatinib, nilotinib, bosutinib, sorafenib, and vemurafenib) has been developed and validated. This multianalyte liquid chromatography coupled with MS/MS assay is of interest for anticancer drug combination therapy.

METHODS

After a simple protein precipitation of plasma samples, the chromatographic separation was performed using an ultra performance liquid chromatography system coupled with MS/MS in a positive ionization mode. The mobile phase consisted of a gradient elution of 10 mmol/L formate ammonium buffer containing 0.1% (vol/vol) formic acid (phase A) and acetonitrile with 0.1% (vol/vol) formic acid (phase B) at a flow rate of 300 μL/min.

RESULTS

The analysis time was 5.0 minutes per run, and all analytes and internal standard eluted within 1.45-1.79 minutes. The calibration curves were linear over the range from 1 to 500 ng/mL for bosutinib, cobimetinib, dasatinib, ibrutinib, and trametinib, from 5 to 500 ng/mL for ponatinib and sunitinib; from 50 to 2500 ng/mL for lapatinib; from 750 to 100,000 ng/mL for vemurafenib, and from 10 to 2500 ng/mL for dabrafenib, erlotinib, imatinib, nilotinib, and sorafenib, with coefficients of correlation above 0.99 for all analytes. The intra- and interday imprecisions were below 14.36%.

CONCLUSIONS

This method was successfully applied to therapeutic drug monitoring in clinical practice.

Insights into the management of chronic myeloid leukemia in resource-poor settings: a Mexican perspective

INTRODUCTION

The arrival of targeted therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was revolutionary. However, due to the high cost of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, access to this highly effective therapy with strict monitoring strategies is limited in low to middle-income countries. In this context, following standard recommendations proposed by experts in developed countries is difficult. Areas covered: This review aims to provide an insight into the management of patients with CML living in a resource-limited setting. It addresses several issues: diagnosis, initial treatment, disease monitoring, and additional treatment alternatives including allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Expert commentary: Imatinib is probably the most cost-effective TKI for initial treatment in developing and underdeveloped countries. Generic imatinib preparations should be evaluated before considering their widespread use. Adherence to treatment should be emphasized. Adequate monitoring can be performed through several methods successfully and is important for predicting outcomes, particularly early in the first year, and if treatment suspension is being considered. Access to further therapeutic alternatives should define our actions after failure or intolerance to imatinib, preferring additional TKIs if possible. Allogeneic transplantation in chronic phase is a viable option in this context.

Cytotoxic effects of 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 alone and in combination with dasatinib against uterine sarcoma in vitro

Effective chemotherapeutic strategies for uterine sarcoma are lacking; existing therapies achieve poor response rates. Previous studies have identified the prostaglandin 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) as a potential anticancer treatment; however, its effectiveness in uterine sarcoma has not been examined. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying the cytotoxic mechanism of 15d-PGJ2 remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the effects of 15d-PGJ2 alone and in combination with the tyrosine kinas inhibitor (TKI) dasatinib in uterine sarcoma cell lines (MES-SA, MES-SA/DX5 and SKN). 15d-PGJ2 inhibited cell growth and increased apoptosis. Western blotting demonstrated that 15d-PGJ2 treatment increased MEK and ERK phosphorylation, and decreased levels of phosphorylated AKT. Dasatinib in combination with 15d-PGJ2 significantly reduced cell proliferation compared with 15d-PGJ2 alone, and repressed both the AKT and MAPK pathways. The cell growth inhibition rate in the PGJ2 was 21.5±12.0, 35.3±5.4 and 28.3±4.2%, respectively (MES-SA, MES-SA/DX5 and SKN cell lines) and the cell growth inhibition rate in the combination therapy was significantly higher compared with 15d-PGJ2 alone (MES-SA; 64.2±0.8, MES-SA/DX5;23.9±8.2 and SKN; 41.4±17.6%). The PGJ2 IC₅₀ determined by MTT assay was 27.41,10.46 and 17.38 µmol/l, respectively (MES-SA, MES-SA/DX5 and SKN cell lines) and the dasatinib IC₅₀ was 6.68,17.30 and 6.25 µmol/l, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that 15d-PGJ2 suppresses proliferation by inactivating the AKT pathway in uterine sarcoma. Furthermore, combining 15d-PGJ2 with dasatinib produced a synergistic effect on cancer cell inhibition by repressing 15d-PGJ2-mediated activation of MAPK signaling, and further repressing AKT signaling. These results suggest that 15d-PGJ2 could be used in combination with dasatinib as a potential therapeutic approach for uterine sarcoma.

Current approach to the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia

Of all the cancers, chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) has witnessed the most rapid evolution of the therapeutic milieu in recent decades. The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as a therapeutic option has profoundly changed patient experience and outcome. The availability of multiple new highly effective therapies has increasingly underscored the importance of a good understanding of the underlying pathophysiological basis in CML, as well as patient-specific factors in choosing the right treatment for every individual. The treatment of CML has migrated in many jurisdictions from the office of a highly specialized malignant hematologist to the general hematologist or even a general practitioner. The goal of this review is to offer an overview of the modern approach to the treatment of CML, with an emphasis on chronic phase (CP) CML, including both TKI-based therapies such as imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib, bosutinib and ponatinib, and non-TKI medications, such as omacetaxine. We discuss evidence behind each drug, most common and material adverse reactions and outline how this information can be used in selecting the right drug for the right patient. We also discuss evidence as it relates to other therapies, including stem cell transplant (SCT), and patients in accelerated (AP) and blastic phase (BP).

National trends in spending on and use of oral oncologics, first quarter 2006 through third quarter 2011

Oral prescription drugs are an increasingly important treatment option for cancer. Yet contemporaneous US trends in spending on anticancer drugs known as oral oncologics have not been described. Using nationally representative data, we describe trends in national spending on and use of forty-seven oral oncologics between the first quarter of 2006 and the third quarter of 2011. Average quarterly national spending on oral oncologics increased 37 percent, from $940.3 million to $1.4 billion in 2012 dollars, a significant change. Average quarterly use of oral oncologics in the same time period measured in extended units increased at a significant pace but more slowly than spending (10 percent). Within this broader trend, differences in spending among categories of oral oncologics were observed. High levels of and increases in both spending and use were concentrated among new brand-name and patent-protected oral oncologics, including second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia. Decreased spending but increased use was observed among oral oncologics that lost patent protection during the study period and were available in generic form, including hormonal therapies used to treat breast and prostate cancers. Spending on new and patent-protected oral oncologics and associated price increases are significant drivers of increased spending.

Health-related quality of life during bosutinib (SKI-606) therapy in patients with advanced chronic myeloid leukemia after imatinib failure

OBJECTIVES

The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) bosutinib has demonstrated activity in patients with advanced phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remain unexplored. This study evaluated HRQoL in advanced CML patients receiving bosutinib in an ongoing phase 2 study following resistance or intolerance to prior imatinib therapy.

METHODS

This analysis included data from 76 accelerated-phase (AP) and 64 blast-phase (BP) patients resistant/intolerant to prior imatinib with or without prior exposure to other TKIs. Patient-reported HRQoL assessments completed at baseline; weeks 4, 8, and 12; every 12 weeks thereafter; and at treatment completion included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Leukemia (FACT-Leu); general health status was assessed using the 5-item EuroQol (EQ-5D) instrument and a visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

HRQoL at baseline was somewhat worse in BP versus AP CML patients. There was a significant improvement in the mean FACT-Leu Total scale at weeks 24, 36, and 48 in AP CML patients and at weeks 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 96 in BP CML patients compared with baseline. EQ-5D Utility scores were stable throughout treatment in AP CML patients but significantly improved versus baseline in BP CML patients at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 36. Mean VAS scores were significantly improved at weeks 8, 36, and 48 in AP CML patients and at weeks 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 96 in BP CML patients. The lack of a comparison group limits attribution of improvements in HRQoL specifically to bosutinib treatment; potential bias due to non-ignorable dropout may limit the ability to generalize these findings to situations where durations of therapy exceed the 96-week follow-up duration of the present study.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that bosutinib therapy is associated with improved HRQoL in advanced phase CML patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT00261846.

European LeukemiaNet recommendations for the management and avoidance of adverse events of treatment in chronic myeloid leukaemia

Most reports on chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) focus on efficacy, particularly on molecular response and outcome. In contrast, adverse events (AEs) are often reported as infrequent, minor, tolerable and manageable, but they are increasingly important as therapy is potentially lifelong and multiple TKIs are available. For this reason, the European LeukemiaNet panel for CML management recommendations presents an exhaustive and critical summary of AEs emerging during CML treatment, to assist their understanding, management and prevention. There are five major conclusions. First, the main purpose of CML treatment is the antileukemic effect. Suboptimal management of AEs must not compromise this first objective. Second, most patients will have AEs, usually early, mostly mild to moderate, and which will resolve spontaneously or are easily controlled by simple means. Third, reduction or interruption of treatment must only be done if optimal management of the AE cannot be accomplished in other ways, and frequent monitoring is needed to detect resolution of the AE as early as possible. Fourth, attention must be given to comorbidities and drug interactions, and to new events unrelated to TKIs that are inevitable during such a prolonged treatment. Fifth, some TKI-related AEs have emerged which were not predicted or detected in earlier studies, maybe because of suboptimal attention to or absence from the preclinical data. Overall, imatinib has demonstrated a good long-term safety profile, though recent findings suggest underestimation of symptom severity by physicians. Second and third generation TKIs have shown higher response rates, but have been associated with unexpected problems, some of which could be irreversible. We hope these recommendations will help to minimise adverse events, and we believe that an optimal management of them will be rewarded by better TKI compliance and thus better CML outcomes, together with better quality of life.

A Case of Dasatinib-Induced Hemorrhagic Colitis Diagnosed by the Lymphocyte Transformation Test in a Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patient

Dasatinib is an effective treatment option for patients diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia and who are non-responsive or intolerant to imatinib treatment. Dasatinib, however, is associated with various adverse effects and on rare occasions, may cause hemorrhagic colitis. We report the case of a 68-year-old male patient with dasatinib-induced hemorrhagic colitis, the first such case in Korea. Endoscopic biopsy of the transverse colon demonstrated non-specific inflammatory changes only. Cessation of dasatinib led to the resolution of symptoms, while reintroduction of the therapy led to the recurrence of his bloody diarrhea. To clarify the association between dasatinib and hemorrhagic colitis, the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) was performed. The LTT result sustained a relatively high proliferation activity in the affected patient compared with almost no proliferation activity in normal control.

Chronic myeloid leukemia: reminiscences and dreams

With the deaths of Janet Rowley and John Goldman in December 2013, the world lost two pioneers in the field of chronic myeloid leukemia. In 1973, Janet Rowley, unraveled the cytogenetic anatomy of the Philadelphia chromosome, which subsequently led to the identification of the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene and its principal pathogenetic role in the development of chronic myeloid leukemia. This work was also of major importance to support the idea that cytogenetic changes were drivers of leukemogenesis. John Goldman originally made seminal contributions to the use of autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation from the late 1970s onwards. Then, in collaboration with Brian Druker, he led efforts to develop ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in the late 1990s. He also led the global efforts to develop and harmonize methodology for molecular monitoring, and was an indefatigable organizer of international conferences. These conferences brought together clinicians and scientists, and accelerated the adoption of new therapies. The abundance of praise, tributes and testimonies expressed by many serve to illustrate the indelible impressions these two passionate and affable scholars made on so many people's lives. This tribute provides an outline of the remarkable story of chronic myeloid leukemia, and in writing it, it is clear that the historical triumph of biomedical science over this leukemia cannot be considered without appreciating the work of both Janet Rowley and John Goldman.

Management of Elderly Patients with Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in the Accelerated or Blastic Phase

In the elderly population, the accelerated and blastic phases of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are difficult to treat, not just because of the higher chance of acquired mutations than in younger individuals, but because of additional associated co-morbidities. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are well-established in the treatment of the chronic phase of CML, and their use in advanced phases is ever-increasing. Elderly patients who are still eligible candidates for transplant can undergo reduced-intensity transplants from related or unrelated donors after reverting to chronic phase. Post-transplantation, these patients require adequate monitoring and therapy to prevent relapses. Newer modalities of treatment or interventions are urgently required in this complex group of patients.

Management of advanced-phase chronic myeloid leukemia

The management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in accelerated or blast phase (advanced phase) remains a significant challenge despite the introduction of very effective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The biology of advanced-phase CML is complex and engages several pathways that are not optimally targeted by TKIs. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains the only potentially curative therapy, but the effectiveness of this conventional approach is limited. New strategies are required to improve the outlook for these patients.

Chronic myeloid leukemia: 2016 update on diagnosis, therapy, and monitoring

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm with an incidence of 1-2 cases per 100,000 adults. It accounts for approximately 15% of newly diagnosed cases of leukemia in adults.

DIAGNOSIS

CML is characterized by a balanced genetic translocation, t(9;22)(q34;q11.2), involving a fusion of the Abelson gene (ABL1) from chromosome 9q34 with the breakpoint cluster region (BCR) gene on chromosome 22q11.2. This rearrangement is known as the Philadelphia chromosome. The molecular consequence of this translocation is the generation of a BCR-ABL1 fusion oncogene, which in turn translates into a BCR-ABL oncoprotein. Frontline therapy: Three tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for first-line treatment of patients with newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase (CML-CP). Clinical trials with 2nd generation TKIs reported significantly deeper and faster responses; their impact on long-term survival remains to be determined. Salvage therapy: For patients who fail frontline therapy, second-line options include second and third generation TKIs. Although second and third generation TKIs are potent and selective TKIs, they exhibit unique pharmacological profiles and response patterns relative to different patient and disease characteristics, such as patients' comorbidities, disease stage, and BCR-ABL1 mutational status. Patients who develop the T315I "gatekeeper" mutation display resistance to all currently available TKIs except ponatinib. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains an important therapeutic option for patients with CML-CP who have failed at least two TKIs, and for all patients in advanced phase disease.

Apatinib: A novel receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of gastric cancer

Metastatic gastric cancer is a lethal disease characterized by a very short overall survival, underlining a critical need of new therapeutic options. Unfortunately, although several molecular targets have been investigated, only very few recently approved agents, such as trastuzumab in the HER2-positive setting and ramucirumab, led to a clinical improvement in the outcome of metastatic gastric cancer patients. VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is one of the most potent angiogenic factors and is a signalling molecule secreted by many solid tumours. Since high VEGF expression is one of the characteristic features of gastric carcinomas, targeting VEGF is therefore considered as a promising therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer. In the scenario of possible new target therapies with particular regard to angiogenesis, apatinib is a novel receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor selectively targeting VEGFR-2. It is an orally-bioavailable agent currently being studied in several solid tumour types showing a promising activity in gastric cancer. Due to the recent positive results as a third line of treatment for metastatic gastric cancer patients, apatinib may be an interesting and novel type of targeted treatment for metastatic gastric cancer in several lines of therapy. In this review, we summarize the available data of apatinib, mainly focused on the clinical aspect, in advanced/metastatic gastric cancer.

The impact of multiple low-level BCR-ABL1 mutations on response to ponatinib

The third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) ponatinib shows activity against all common BCR-ABL1 single mutants, including the highly resistant BCR-ABL1-T315I mutant, improving outcome for patients with refractory chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, responses are variable, and causal baseline factors have not been well-studied. The type and number of low-level BCR-ABL1 mutations present after imatinib resistance has prognostic significance for subsequent treatment with nilotinib or dasatinib as second-line therapy. We therefore investigated the impact of low-level mutations detected by sensitive mass-spectrometry before ponatinib initiation (baseline) on treatment response in 363 TKI-resistant patients enrolled in the PONATINIB for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Evaluation and Ph(+)Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia trial, including 231 patients in chronic phase (CP-CML). Low-level mutations were detected in 53 patients (15%, including low-level T315I in 14 patients); most, however, did not undergo clonal expansion during ponatinib treatment and, moreover, no specific individual mutations were associated with inferior outcome. We demonstrate however, that the number of mutations detectable by mass spectrometry after TKI resistance is associated with response to ponatinib treatment and could be used to refine the therapeutic approach. Although CP-CML patients with T315I (63/231, 27%) had superior responses overall, those with multiple mutations detectable by mass spectrometry (20, 32%) had substantially inferior responses compared with those with T315I as the sole mutation detected (43, 68%). In contrast, for CP-CML patients without T315I, the inferior responses previously observed with nilotinib/dasatinib therapy for imatinib-resistant patients with multiple mutations were not seen with ponatinib treatment, suggesting that ponatinib may prove to be particularly advantageous for patients with multiple mutations detectable by mass spectrometry after TKI resistance.

Dasatinib-induced pleural effusion: Chylothorax, an option to consider

Dasatinib is a drug for treatment of oncogene fusion protein BCR-ABL-positive chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia resistant/intolerant to imatinib. Pleural effusion (PE) is a common adverse effect, and in this context, we present four cases seen due to this cause. One of them is a chylothorax. The PE grade is variable, and the physiopathology is not well established, although a block in T-lymphocyte function or inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β is suggested being involved. The PE is generally a lymphocyte-predominant exudate, but can also present as chylothorax. Several factors have been associated with its appearance, particularly the administration in two daily doses. Low grade (1–2) PEs usually respond well to interrupt the treatment while those of higher grade may also require therapeutic thoracentesis and corticosteroids. There are currently no firm guidelines that establish when to resort to one form of treatment or another.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in 2015

Few neoplastic diseases have undergone a transformation in a relatively short period like chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has in the last few years. In 1960, CML was the first cancer in which a unique chromosomal abnormality was identified and a pathophysiologic correlation suggested. Landmark work followed, recognizing the underlying translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 that gave rise to this abnormality and, shortly afterward, the specific genes involved and the pathophysiologic implications of this novel rearrangement. Fast forward a few years and this knowledge has given us the most remarkable example of a specific therapy that targets the dysregulated kinase activity represented by this molecular change. The broad use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has resulted in an improvement in the overall survival to the point where the life expectancy of patients today is nearly equal to that of the general population. Still, there are challenges and unanswered questions that define the reasons why the progress still escapes many patients, and the details that separate patients from ultimate cure. In this article, we review our current understanding of CML in 2015, present recommendations for optimal management, and discuss the unanswered questions and what could be done to answer them in the near future.

Long-term efficacy and safety of bosutinib in patients with advanced leukemia following resistance/intolerance to imatinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Long-term efficacy and safety of bosutinib (≥4 years follow-up from last enrolled patient) were evaluated in an ongoing phase 1/2 study in the advanced leukemia cohort with prior treatment failure (accelerated-phase [AP, n = 79] chronic myeloid leukemia [CML], blast-phase [BP, n = 64] CML, acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL, n = 24]). Fourteen AP, 2 BP, and 1 ALL patient remained on bosutinib at 4 years (vs. 38, 8, 1 at 1 year); median (range) treatment durations: 10.2 (0.1-88.6), 2.8 (0.03-55.9), 0.97 (0.3-89.2) months. Among AP and BP patients, 57% and 28% newly attained or maintained baseline overall hematologic response (OHR); 40% and 37% attained/maintained major cytogenetic response (MCyR) by 4 years (most by 12 months). In responders at 1 versus 4 years, Kaplan-Meier (KM) probabilities of maintaining OHR were 78% versus 49% (AP) and 28% versus 19% (BP); KM probabilities of maintaining MCyR were 65% versus 49% (AP) and 21% versus 21% (BP). Most common AEs (AP, BP) were gastrointestinal (96%; 83%), primarily diarrhea (85%; 64%), which was typically low grade (maximum grade 1/2: 81%; 59%) and transient; no patient discontinued due to diarrhea. Serious AEs occurred in 44 (56%) AP and 37 (58%) BP patients, most commonly pneumonia (n = 9) for AP and pyrexia (n = 6) for BP; 11 and 13 died within 30 days of last dose (2 considered bosutinib-related [AP] per investigator). Responses were durable in ∼50% AP responders at 4 years (∼25% BP patients responded at year 1, suggesting possible bridge-to-transplant role in BP patients); toxicity was manageable.

Characterization and targeting of neoplastic stem cells in Ph+ chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the presence of an oncogenic fusion gene, BCR–ABL1. This fusion gene produces a cytoplasmic protein with tyrosine kinase activity that acts as a main driver of oncogenesis and abnormal proliferation of myeloid cells in CML. Targeted therapy with BCR–ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as imatinib is followed by long-term responses in most patients. However, despite continuous treatment, relapses occur, suggesting the presence of TKI-resistant neoplastic stem cells in these patients. Here, we discuss potential mechanisms and signaling molecules involved in the prosurvival and self-renewal capacity of CML neoplastic stem cells as well as antigens expressed by these cells. Several of these signaling molecules and cell surface antigens may serve as potential targets of therapy and their use may overcome TKI resistance in CML in the future.

Dasatinib suppresses invasion and induces apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Dasatinib, an orally available tyrosine kinas inhibitor (TKI), potently inhibits SRC which was found to activate RTKs that induce trastuzumab de novo and acquired resistance. To evaluate the potential of Dasatinib in the treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, we used a variety of assays to measure its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. This work aimed to test the antitumor effects of the inhibitor in vitro to determine whether in vivo analyses were warranted. Cell growth rate and 50% inhibitory concentration was calculated by MTT assay. Dasatinib-induced apoptotic cells were investigated by Annexin V/PI staining. Proteins from cell extracts were analyzed by Western blot. Cell motility was investigated by Transwell. Our study showed that Dasatinib significantly inhibited CNE2 proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro. Phospho-AKT, phospho-MEK, phospho-ERK expression was significantly reduced when treated with dasatinib which means the downregulated RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathway activity. Dasatinib significantly inhibited the motility of CNE2 as well as Phospho-FAK expression. Dasatinib exhibit antitumor effects of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by downregulating MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways activity and FAK phosphorylation. This suggests that dasatinib would have therapeutic activity against NPC.

Superiority of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to nilotinib and dasatinib for adult patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in the accelerated phase

In the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) era, imatinib is the first-line therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic or accelerated phase. Although second-generation TKIs (TKI2), including dasatinib and nilotinib, are appropriate treatment regimens for patients with disease that progressed to accelerated phase following imatinib therapy, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the only curative therapy. This study retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of TKI2 and HSCT for treatment of CML in accelerated phase. Ninety-three patients with CML registered in the Chinese CML alliance database from February 2001 to February 2014 were enrolled and divided into the TKI2 (n = 33) and allo-HSCT (n = 60) groups. In the TKI2 group, 26 and 7 patients received nilotinib and dasatinib, respectively, as initial TKI2 and 11 patients transferred to the alternative TKI2 after failure to one TKI2. In the allo-HSCT group, 22 (36.7%), 35 (58.3%), and 3 (10%) patients underwent allo-HSCT from an HLA-matched sibling donor, HLA mismatched/haploidentical donor, and unrelated donor, respectively. All patients in the HSCT group were engrafted. Overall, 69.7%, 48.5%, and 45.5% of patients presented hematological, cytogenetic, and major molecular responses, respectively, to at least one of TKI2. All 60 patients (100%) achieved CHR and cytogenetic response in the HSCT group. Patients in the TKI2 group exhibited lower 5-year overall survival rate (42.9% vs. 86.4%, P = 0.002), 5-year event-free survival rate (14.3% vs. 76.1%, P < 0.001), and 5-year progression-free survival (28.6% vs. 78.1%, P < 0.001) than those in the allo-HSCT group. Multivariate analysis showed that male sex and TKI2 therapy were predictors of poor overall survival, whereas hemoglobin < 100 g/L and TKI2 therapy were predictors of poor event-free survival and progression-free survival. These results indicated that allo-HSCT may be superior to nilotinib and dasatinib for adult patients with CML in accelerated phase.

[Chronic myelogenous leukemia]

The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has improved the prognosis and outcome of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) considerably. Compared with imatinib, the first-line use of second-generation inhibitors nilotinib and dasatinib has led to faster and deeper molecular remissions accompanied by a differential adverse effect profile. An essential part of the management of CML patients is the guideline-based application of cytogenetics and standardized polymerase chain reaction techniques to regularly assess the remission status. Long-lasting treatment-free remission in a minority of patients led to hopes for the curability of CML in a significant minority of patients. The use of interferon alpha combined with or after TKI therapy is associated with the induction of an immune response toward the leukemic clone. This innovative treatment approach is currently under prospective investigation to improve long-term response. The coordinated cooperation of academic and regional hospitals, office-based hematologists, laboratories, and patient representatives allows for up-to-date patient care and the early use of new therapeutic options in patients at risk.

Chronic myeloid leukaemia

In less than 10 years, the prognosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia has changed from that of a fatal disease to a disorder amenable simply to lifelong oral medication and compatible with a normal lifespan. This change has been made possible by a deep understanding of the molecular pathogenesis and a determination to develop targeted and selective drugs. This Seminar summarises the presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis and monitoring technology, treatment options, side-effects, and outcomes of chronic myeloid leukaemia, and discusses the possibility of cure-ie, stable undetectable or low level disease in the absence of medication. Chronic myeloid leukaemia continues to instruct us in the mechanisms of leukaemogenesis and provides hope not only for similar developments in management of other malignancies, but also for the remarkable speed with which these can move from bench to bedside.

A prospective analysis of clinical efficacy and safety in chronic myeloid leukemia-chronic phase patients with imatinib resistance or intolerance as evaluated using European LeukemiaNet 2013 criteria

BACKGROUND

We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dasatinib in Japanese patients with imatinib-resistant or imatinib-intolerant chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

METHODS

From 2009 to 2011, 54 CML-chronic phase (CP) patients with resistance (n = 40) or intolerance (n = 25) to imatinib were registered to undergo dasatinib treatment. Eleven patients showed both resistance and intolerance to imatinib. Coincidentally, the resistance criteria in this study were the same as a non-optimal response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as defined in the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) 2013 recommendations.

RESULTS

The overall incidence rate of major molecular response (MMR) at 12 months was 62.3% (n = 47). Forty patients with resistance to imatinib who were 'warning' and 'failure' patients based on the ELN 2013 recommendations were assessed; cumulative MMR and MR(4.5) rates were 62.5% (n = 39) and 21.0% (n = 40), respectively, at 12 months. Twelve patients who showed a BCR-ABL transcript level >1% on the international scale did not achieve a MMR or discontinued dasatinib treatment because of insufficient effects. With regard to safety issues, grade 3/4 non-hematologic adverse events (AEs) were infrequent.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with non-optimal responses (who meet ELN 2013 warning and failure criteria) to imatinib should be switched quickly to dasatinib, which is less toxic in CML-CP patients, to improve their prognoses. A BCR-ABL1 IS of <1% at 3 months of dasatinib administration is a landmark for good therapeutic outcome.