Hematological and cytogenetic responses to STI571 therapy in chronic myeloid leukemia

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a malignancy/ cancer of the white blood cells (leukocytes), where in there is excessive multiplication of myeloid stem cells within the bone marrow, is caused by the Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase, the product of the Philadelphia Chromosome. The hallmark of CML is the Philadelphia chromosome, which is present in more than 95% of patients. Imatinib mesylate, formerly known as STI-571 is a selective inhibitor of this kinase. A total of 25 patients had received imatinib mesylate therapy formed the subjects of this study. Patients were evaluated for cytogenetic and hematologic responses. Imatinib has shown remarkable clinical activity in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. This study indicated that STI-571 has shown higher response rates compared with other therapy.