Imatinib reduces proliferation of leukemic cells in vitro

Abstract

Introduction: Philadelphia chromosome is a cytogenetic marker for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The main aims of this study were to assess the positive responses, side-effects and survival of CML patients treated with imatinib mesylate. Methods: All recently diagnosed CML patients who were treated with imatinib were recruited to this study. We investigated hematological and cytogenetic parameters by CBC, FISH and RT-PCR individually. Results: Of the 10 cases, 7 (70%) were males and 3 (30%) were female. Four (40%) of the cases were analyzed retrospectively and 8 cases (80%) exhibited general exhaustion (75%), fever (80%), and splenomegaly (80%). Indications of bleeding and rashes were rarely seen at presentation. The majority of the patients had a generally low risk profile (70%), 30% had intermediate risk; with no subjects exhibiting high risk CML, 9 subjects (90%) were in remission.