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Imatinib mesylate in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): A single institution experience of 174 patients.

6710 Background: Imatinib mesylate is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor. It has been found to be effective in CML and c-kit positive tumors.


METHODS
We conducted a prospective non-randomized single arm study of imatinib mesylate monotherapy in CML. 174 patients (122 males, 52 females) with Philadelphia positive CML (Chronic phase- 97, Accelerated phase- 47and Blast crisis-30) from May 2001 to September 2003 received imatinib mesylate as monotherapy in recommended doses.


RESULTS
[Figure: see text] Thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and dermatitis were dose-limiting toxicities. 121 patients (69.5%) had lightening of skin color. Nine patients developed photosensitivity, 1 had phototoxicity. Imatinib may have interaction with the endocrine system. Edema, weight gain improvement are known estrogenic actions. Some patients with generalized lightening of skin had hyperpigmentation over the malar area, similar to chloasma of pregnancy. Thirty-five patients had dermatitis of which 31 were males and 4 females (88.6% Vs 11.4%, p=0.007).


CONCLUSIONS
Imatinib mesylate is effective in all phases of chronic myeloid leukemia. The endocrine and dermatological aspects mandate further studies. No significant financial relationships to disclose.