Generic Imatinib Mesylate as first line treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia

Abstract

Background. In order to reduce the cost of treating diseases, governments tend to use generic drugs, as in the case of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of an Imatinib Mesylate (IM) generic drug as first line treatment of CML. Patients and methods. A retrospective (01-01-2017 to 31-12-2018) multicenter study, related to patients with CML in the chronic phase and treated with the IM generic as a first line therapy. Results. We collected data of 392 patients. Median age was 48 (16-85) years. In 43% of cases, treatment was stopped following resistance or intolerance, of which 2.8% of cases progressed to an advanced phase. 2.6% of patients lost their molecular and hematological response. Overall survival (OS) was 76.4%. OS was poor in the high Sokal-score group (69%) compared to the low (73%) and intermediate (81.4%) risk groups (p: 0.01). Conclusion. The choice of the a generic IM as first-line treatment of CML makes it possible to obtain a satisfactory response rate and a good safety profile.