Long-Term Outcome of Complete Cytogenetic Responders After Imatinib 400 mg in Late Chronic Phase, Philadelphia-Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: The GIMEMA Working Party on CML

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Palandri ◽  
Ilaria Iacobucci ◽  
Giovanni Martinelli ◽  
Marilina Amabile ◽  
Angela Poerio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Working Party ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Interferon Α ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Number Of Patients

Purpose Imatinib mesylate (IM) has rapidly become the front-line treatment of Philadelphia-positive (Ph-pos) chronic myeloid leukemia, but the number of patients who were treated and are being treated with IM second-line is still substantial. Patients and Methods We have monitored and analyzed the cytogenetic and molecular response to IM 400 mg/d in a cohort of 277 late chronic phase (LCP) patients who were resistant or intolerant to interferon-α and were observed for 48 to 79 months (median, 72 months). Results One hundred fifty-three patients (55%) achieved a complete cytogenetic response (CCgR). Seventy-seven percent of them were still in CCgR after 5 years. The rate of response loss did not increase over time. The 6-year progression-free survival and overall survival of these 153 complete cytogenetic responders were 90% and 91%, respectively. Molecular response was less than major in 21%, major in 78%, and complete in one patient only. Conclusion These data confirm that, in LCP the CCgR rate to IM is 50% to 60%, and show that CCgR is stable and is associated with a prolonged survival, even if leukemia continues to be molecularly detectable.

Impact of Age in the Outcome of Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Late Chronic Phase: Clinical and Molecular Results of a Phase II Study of the GIMEMA CML Working Party.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 4805-4805
Author(s):  
Giovanni Martinelli ◽  
Francesca Palandri ◽  
Ilaria Iacobucci ◽  
Simona Bassi ◽  
Fausto Castagnetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Ii ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Working Party ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome

Abstract To assess the effect of age on response and compliance we performed a sub-analysis within a phase II trial of the GIMEMA CMLWorking Party (CML/002/STI571). Since the WHO cut-off age to define an older patient is 65 years, we identified: 226/284 (80%) younger patients (below 65 years) and 58/284 (20%) older patients (above 65 years) before starting imatinib. Responses (hematologic and cytogenetic) were lower in older age group but progression free survival and overall survival probabilities (median observation time 3 years) were the same. Moreover, among complete cytogenetic responders, no differences were found in the level of molecular response between the 2 age groups. As probably expected, older patients experienced more adverse events (AEs), both hematologic and non-hematologic: this worsen compliance, however, did not prevent a long term outcome similar to younger ones. CML

Better Molecular Response (MR) to Imatinib (IM) in Early Chronic Phase (CP) Versus Late CP Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Patients (pts) in Complete Cytogenetic Response (CCR): A Comparison at 24 Months of 2 Clinical Trials of the GIMEMA Working Party on CML on Behalf of the GIMEMA Working Party on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (GIMEMA-CML).

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 1096-1096 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Poerio ◽  
Marilina Amabile ◽  
Ilaria Iacobucci ◽  
Simona Soverini ◽  
Sabrina Colarossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Working Party ◽  
Cytogenetic Response ◽  
Interferon Α ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Log Reduction

Abstract We sought to determine the differences in molecular response between early and late CP pts with CML who achieved a CCR after treatment with IM at the standard dose of 400mg/d. We studied 2 different cohorts of patients in CCR: 67/191 (35%) pts after α-Interferon (α-IFN) failure enrolled on the CML/002/STI571 protocol 53/76 (70%) pts treated front line with a combination of IM and pegilated IFN-α (PEG-IFN) enrolled on the CML/011/STI571 protocol Cytogenetic response was monitored on bone marrow (BM) metaphases and molecular response was assessed by real time RT-PCR (TaqMan) BM and peripheral blood (PB) samples, collected at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months during the first year, and every 6 months thereafter. Molecular response was expressed as the ratio between BCR/ABL and β2-microglobulin (β2-M) x100. The lowest level of detectability of the method was 10−5. Negative results (i.e. undetectable transcript) were confirmed by nested PCR performed 4 times (sensitivity 10−6). For the purpose of this analysis, a major molecular response (MMR) was defined as a BCR-ABL/β2M value <0.0001%, which turned out to be roughly equivalent to a 3-log reduction and a complete molecular response (CMR) was defined as negative (undetectable) BCR/ABL levels confirmed by nested PCR. We observed a progressive decrease of the amount of BCR/ABL transcript in pts who achieved a CCR. At 24 months the median reduction in BCR/ABL transcript level was: a 3-log reduction in late CP pts a 4-log reduction in early CP pts In the latter group of pts MR was assessed also at 36 months. So we observed that 36 months after the first dose of IM and PEG-IFN pts who were still in CCR had the median value of BCR/ABL transcript of 0.00001% both in BM and PB. Therefore all these pts achieved a MMR. However only 8/53 (4%) pts were in CMR (undetectable BCR/ABL at least once as assessed by nested PCR). We conclude that front-line treatment with IM results in a better quality MR (4-log reduction in BCR/ABL transcript levels in early CP pts, as against a 3-log reduction in late CP pts). Figure Figure

scholarly journals Long-term outcome with dasatinib after imatinib failure in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia: follow-up of a phase 3 study

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 123 (15) ◽  
pp. 2317-2324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil P. Shah ◽  
François Guilhot ◽  
Jorge E. Cortes ◽  
Charles A. Schiffer ◽  
Philipp le Coutre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Imatinib Resistant ◽  
Key Points

Key Points Imatinib-resistant/-intolerant patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase can experience long-term benefit with dasatinib. Early (3- and 6-month) molecular and cytogenetic responses were associated with improved progression-free survival and overall survival.

Frontline imatinib treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia: no impact of age on outcome, a survey by the GIMEMA CML Working Party

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 117 (21) ◽  
pp. 5591-5599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Gugliotta ◽  
Fausto Castagnetti ◽  
Francesca Palandri ◽  
Massimo Breccia ◽  
Tamara Intermesoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Working Party ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Imatinib Treatment ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Free Survival

AbstractThe median age of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients is ∼ 60 years, and age is still considered an important prognostic factor, included in Sokal and EURO risk scores. However, few data are available about the long-term outcome of older patients treated with imatinib (IM) frontline. We analyzed the relationship between age and outcome in 559 early chronic-phase CML patients enrolled in 3 prospective clinical trials of Gruppo Italiano Malattie Ematologiche dell'Adulto CML Working Party, treated frontline with IM, with a median follow-up of 60 months. There were 115 older patients (≥ 65 years; 21%). The complete cytogenetic and major molecular response rates were similar in the 2 age groups. In older patients, event-free survival (55% vs 67%), failure-free survival (78% vs 92%), progression-free survival (62% vs 78%), and overall survival (75% vs 89%) were significantly inferior (all P < .01) because of a higher proportion of deaths that occurred in complete hematologic response, therefore unrelated to CML progression (15% vs 3%, P < .0001). The outcome was similar once those deaths were censored. These data show that response to IM was not affected by age and that the mortality rate linked to CML is similar in both age groups. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00514488 and #NCT00510926.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Patients with “Suboptimal” Response to Imatinib (IM) According to European LeukemiaNet Criteria Have a Poorer Outcome with Respect to “Optimal” Responders: A GIMEMA CML WORKING PARTY Analysis.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2196-2196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fausto Castagnetti ◽  
Gabriele Gugliotta ◽  
Francesca Palandri ◽  
Massimo Breccia ◽  
Marilina Amabile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Working Party ◽  
Lower Probability ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Grey Zone ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Free Survival

Abstract Abstract 2196 Poster Board II-173 BACKGROUND: Imatinib (IM) 400 mg daily is the standard treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) in early chronic phase (ECP). The European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations were designed to help identify ECP CML patients responding poorly to front-line IM, suggesting, at given time points, when the treatment strategy should be changed (”failure”), or when “the long-term outcome of the treatment would not likely be as favourable” (“suboptimal response”). Suboptimal response is a “grey zone”: the patient may still have substantial benefit from continuing IM, but other therapies should be considered. AIM: To assess the outcome of “failure” and “suboptimal responders” Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) CML patients in a large multicentric, nationwide experience. METHODS: Between January 2004 and April 2007, 559 patients were enrolled in an observational study and in 2 independent intervention studies of the GIMEMA CML WP (Clin Trials Gov. NCT00514488 and NCT00510926). Response monitoring was based on conventional cytogenetic examination of bone marrow cell metaphases every 6 months and RT Q-PCR evaluations of blood cells after 3, 6, 12 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Definitions: major molecular response (MMR): BCR-ABL/ABL ratio < 0,1%IS; failure (according to ELN criteria): no hematologic response (HR) at 3 months, no complete HR (CHR) at 6 months, no cytogenetic response (CgR) at 6 months, no partial CgR (PCgR) at 1 year, no complete CgR (CCgR) at 18 months, loss CHR or CCgR, progression or death; suboptimal response (according to ELN criteria): no CHR at 3 months, no PCgR at 6 months, no CCgR at 12 months, no MMR at 18 months ; optimal response: non-suboptimal and non-failure at each time-point; event: failure or treatment discontinuation for any reason. All the calculations have been made according to the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: The patients who fitted the ELN criteria for failure had a significantly lower probability of subsequently achieving a CCgR and a MMR, and had a significantly lower overall survival (OS), failure-free survival (FFS) and event-free survival (EFS). The patients who fitted the ELN definitions of suboptimal response at 6 months (data not shown) and at 12 months (figure 1) had a significantly lower probability than “optimal” responders of subsequently achieving a CCgR and a MMR, and a significantly poorer FFS and EFS (figure 1), while the OS was not different in the two groups (90% and 95%, p= 0.35). CONCLUSIONS Our data confirms that suboptimal responders at 6 and at 12 months have a poorer outcome with respect to “optimal” responders, comparable to the outcome of failure patients. Acknowledgments: European LeukemiaNet, COFIN, University of Bologna and BolognAIL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals A Retrospective Analysis about Frequency of Monitoring in Italian Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients after Discontinuation

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3692
Author(s):  
Matteo Dragani ◽  
Giovanna Rege Cambrin ◽  
Paola Berchialla ◽  
Irene Dogliotti ◽  
Gianantonio Rosti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Molecular Monitoring ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis ◽  
Number Of Patients

Successful discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has been achieved in patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Careful molecular monitoring after discontinuation warrants safe and prompt resumption of therapy. We retrospectively evaluated how molecular monitoring has been conducted in Italy in a cohort of patients who discontinued tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment per clinical practice. The outcome of these patients has recently been reported—281 chronic-phase CML patients were included in this subanalysis. Median follow-up since discontinuation was 2 years. Overall, 2203 analyses were performed, 17.9% in the first three months and 38.4% in the first six months. Eighty-six patients lost major molecular response (MMR) in a mean time of 5.7 months—65 pts (75.6%) during the first six months. We evaluated the number of patients who would experience a delay in diagnosis of MMR loss if a three-month monitoring schedule was adopted. In the first 6 months, 19 pts (29.2%) would have a one-month delay, 26 (40%) a 2-month delay. Very few patients would experience a delay in the following months. A less intense frequency of monitoring, particularly after the first 6 months off treatment, would not have affected the success of treatment-free remission (TFR) nor put patients at risk of progression.

High and Early Rates of Cytogenetic and Molecular Response with Nilotinib 800 Mg Daily as First Line Treatment of Ph-Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase: Results of a Phase 2 Trial of the GIMEMA CML Working Party

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 181-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianantonio Rosti ◽  
Fausto Castagnetti ◽  
Angela Poerio ◽  
Massimo Breccia ◽  
Luciano Levato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Working Party ◽  
Hematologic Toxicity ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Average Dose ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Grade Iii

Abstract Imatinib (IM) 400 mg daily is the standard treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia in early chronic phase (ECP): the results of the IRIS trial have shown a 72 months overall survival of 95%; EFS and PFS were 83% and 93%, respectively; the cumulative rate of complete cytogenetic response (CCgR) for the IM 400 mg arm was 25% at 3 months (at 6, 12, 18 and 60 months it was 51%, 69%, 76% and 87%, respectively). Nilotinib, a second generation TKI, has a higher binding affinity and selectivity for Abl with respect to IM, being 20 to 50 times more active in IM-sensitive cell lines and is highly effective in IM resistant patients, across every disease phase. To investigate the therapeutic efficacy and the safety of nilotinib 400 mg BID in untreated, ECP, Ph-pos CML patients, the italian GIMEMA CML Working Party is conducting an open-label, single stage, multicentric, phase II study trial (ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT00481052); all patients provided written informed consent. The primary endpoint is the CCgR rate at 1 year; the kinetic of molecular response is studied by Q-PCR baseline and after 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from treatment start. PATIENTS Seventy-three patients have been enrolled from 20 Centres between June, 2007 and February, 2008. The median age was 51 years (range 18–83), 45% low, 41% intermediate and 14% high Sokal risk. Median follow-up is currently 210 days (range 68–362). RESULTS All 73 patients and 48/73 (66%) completed 3 and 6 months on treatment, respectively. Response at 3 and 6 months (ITT): the CHR rate was 100% and 98%, the CCgR rate 78% and 96%, respectively. A MMR, defined as a BCR-ABL:ABL ratio &lt; 0.1% according to the International Scale, was achieved by 3% of all treated patients after 1 month on treatment, but this proportion rapidly increased to 22% after 2 months, 59% after 3 months and 74% after 6 months. One patient progressed at 6 months to accelerated-blastic phase with the T315I mutation. NILOTINIB DOSE AND COMPLIANCE No dose escalation was permitted in case of resistance; the median daily average dose was close to the intended dose, 789 mg (range 261 – 800); 34/73 patients (47%) interrupted nilotinib at least once, with a median duration of dose interruption of 15 days (range 2–98). The dose of nilotinib at the last visit was 400 mg BID for 52 patients (71%), 400 mg daily for 20 patients (27%) and 200 mg daily for 1 patient (1%). ADVERSE EVENTS: AEs (grade III/IV) were manageable with appropriate dose adaptations: hematologic toxicity was recorded so far in 4 pts (5% - only 1 event grade IV neutropenia); the most frequent biochemical laboratory abnormalities (grade III) were total bilirubin increase (15%), GOT/GPT increase (11%) and lipase increase (4%). Only 1 episode of grade IV lipase increase was recorded. It is noteworthy, considering the 48 cases with at least 6 months of follow-up, that the incidence of any grade II and III nonhematologic adverse event, decreased from 50% and 8% (first 3 months) to 23% and 6% (second trimester), respectively. ECG monitoring: in 16 patients (22%), transient and not clinically relevant ECG abnormalities have been recorded; 2 more patients (3%) revealed a transient and uneventful QTc prolongation (&gt;450 but &lt;499 msec). CONCLUSIONS: The results that have been achieved in these unselected patients and within a multicentric trial, strongly support the notion that in ECP Ph-pos CML patients both cytogenetic and molecular responses to nilotinib are substantially faster than the responses to IM. Acknowledgments: Work supported by European LeukemiaNet, COFIN, University of Bologna and BolognAIL.

Early CP CML, Nilotinib 400 mg Twice Daily Frontline: Beyond 3 Years, Results Remain Excellent and Stable (A GIMEMA CML Working Party Trial)

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 2756-2756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Gugliotta ◽  
Fausto Castagnetti ◽  
Massimo Breccia ◽  
Luciano Levato ◽  
Adele Capucci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Party ◽  
Study Drug ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Multicentre Phase ◽  
Daily Dose

Abstract Abstract 2756 Background: Nilotinib is a potent and selective BCR-ABL inhibitor. The phase 3 ENESTnd trial demonstrated superior efficacy nilotinib vs. imatinib, with higher and faster molecular responses. After 24 months, the rates of progression to accelerated-blastic phase (ABP) were 0.7% and 1.1% with nilotinib 300mg and 400mg BID, respectively, significantly lower compared to imatinib (4.2%). Nilotinib has been approved for the frontline treatment of Ph+ CML. With imatinib 400mg (IRIS trial), the rate of any event and of progression to ABP were higher during the first 3–4 years. Consequently, a confirmation of the durability of responses to nilotinib beyond 3 years is extremely relevant. Aims: To evaluate the long term outcome of patients treated with nilotinib 400mg BID as frontline therapy. Methods: A multicentre phase 2 trial was conducted by the GIMEMA CML WP (ClinicalTrials.gov.NCT00481052). Median 48-month follow-up data for all patients will be presented. Definitions: MR3.0 (Major Molecular Response) as a BCR-ABL/ABL ratio <0,1%IS; MR4.0, undetectable transcript levels with ≥10,000 ABL transcripts; failures: according to the revised ELN recommendations; events: failures and treatment discontinuation for any reason. All the analysis has been made according to the intention-to-treat principle. Results: 73 patients enrolled: median age 51 years; 45% low, 41% intermediate and 14% high Sokal risk. The cumulative incidence of CCgR at 12 months was 100%. CCgR at each milestone: 78%, 96%, 96%, 95%, 92% at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, respectively. The overall estimated probability of MR3.0 was 99%, while the rates of MR3.0 at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were 52%, 66%, 85%, 81% and 82%, respectively. Two out of 73 patients never achieved a MR3.0, 1 who progressed to AP/BP (see below) and 1 in stable and confirmed CCgR at 36 months. Three pts had a confirmed loss of MR3.0 due to low adherence (all 3 still on nilotinib). The overall estimated probability of MR4.0 was 79%, while the rates of MR4.0 at 12, 24 and 36 months were 12%, 27% and 25%, respectively. One third (21/73 pts) showed a stable MR4.0 (defined based on 3 consecutive MR4.0 samples 4 months apart). Only one patient progressed at 6 months to ABP and subsequently died (high Sokal risk, T315I mutation). Adverse events were mostly grade 1 or 2 and manageable with appropriate dose adaptations. During the first 12 months, the mean daily dose was 600–800mg in 74% of patients. The nilotinib last daily dose was as follows: 800mg in 46 (63%) patients, 600mg in 3 (4%) patients and 400mg in 18 (25%), 6 permanent discontinuations. Detail of discontinuation: 1 patient progressed to ABP; 3 patients had recurrent episodes of amylase and/or lipase increase (no pancreatitis); 1 patient had atrial fibrillation (unrelated to study drug) and 1 patient died after 32 months of mental deterioration and starvation (unrelated to study drug). Two patients are currently on imatinib second-line and 2 on dasatinib third-line. With a median follow-up of 39 months, the estimated probability of overall survival, progression-free survival and failure-free survival was 97%, the estimated probability of event-free survival was 91%. Conclusions: The rate of failures was very low during the first 3 years. Responses remain stable. The high rates of responses achieved during the first 12–18 months are being translated into optimal outcome for most of patients. Acknowledgments: European LeukemiaNet, COFIN, Bologna University, BolognAIL Disclosures: Gugliotta: Novartis: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Honoraria. Castagnetti:Novartis: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Cuneo:Roche: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Soverini:Novartis: Consultancy; ARIAD: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy. Saglio:Novartis Pharmaceutical: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy. Rosti:Novartis: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria.

scholarly journals The HIGH BCR-ABL1 GENE PERCENTAGE AT TIME OF PRESENTATION: A TOOL TO PREDICT FAILURE IN ACHIEVING EARLY MOLECULAR RESPONSE IN CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA (CML): A TERTIARY CARE CENTER EXPERIENCE

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (Suppl-1) ◽  
pp. S71-75
Author(s):  
Amjad Khan ◽  
Riaz Ahmed ◽  
Sarah Fatimah ◽  
Muhammad Nadeem ◽  
Shama Iqbal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Myeloid Leukemia ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Imatinib Therapy ◽  
Military Hospital ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Number Of Patients

Objective: To determine the relationship of baseline quantitative BCR ABL1 gene percentage and therapeutic response i.e. Early Molecular Response (EMR) at 3 months with first generation Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (Imatinib) in patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP). Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Oct 2017 to Oct 2019. Methodology: One hundred and seventy patients, 18 years of age or older with newly diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP) with quantitative baseline BCR-ABL (IS) transcript were included in the study. All enrolled patients were placed on Imatinib therapy (400 mg/day) and Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for BCR ABL transcript was repeated at 3 months to document EMR (BCR-ABL (IS) <10%). Patients who were in accelerated/blast phase, or already taking any Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) or chemotherapy were excluded from the study. Results: In our study 101 (59.4%) patients achieved early molecular response. Out of these 80 (70.8%) patients with BCR-ABL<50% at baseline value showed early molecular response. However, only 21 (36.8%) with BCRABL >50% at baseline achieved early molecular response (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: A significant number of patients achieved early molecular response with Imatinib therapy that had BCR ABL below 50%, however those with baseline BCR ABL >50%, the rate of EMR was comparatively lower.

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