Despite accomplishing significant progress in treating chronic myeloid leukemia, the disease cannot yet be eradicated in all patients hence the challenge must be addressed, conveys statement in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Likening the journey to find a cure for chronic myeloid leukemia as a marathon, cancer expert Dr. Jorge Cortes, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, writes, "The past half century has been an extraordinary run that has us on an excellent pace to not only complete the race to a cure, but to do so in record time."
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Chronic myeloid Leukemia is one of the most common types of blood cancer. It is characterized by excess of WBC stem cells in the bone marrow.
Advertisement
Developments in treatments have been significant, with a five-year survival rate of 90% today compared with a median survival rate of three to five years in the 1960s.
"Despite this progress, many challenges remain that merit a concerted effort from researchers, health care providers, regulatory authorities, third party payers and the patients themselves," writes Dr. Cortes. "Our goal should be to eliminate the disease in all patients."
![New Drug Combination Promises Better Treatment Outcomes in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)]( "New Drug Combination Promises Better Treatment Outcomes in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)")
Treatment with imatinib and peginterferon alfa-2a was associated with significantly higher rates of molecular responses in people with CML.
The use of the drug imatinib has been a key weapon in the arsenal against the disease, although only 60% of patients have a decent outcome; people can be resistant to the drug or develop resistance. Other second-line drugs work in about 50% of the patients in whom imatinib is not effective, but at least 10%-15% of them will lose their response to the treatment over time.
Dr. Cortes states that doctors need to ensure adherence to treatments, that more research into other therapies is still necessary and that health care professionals must stay focused on the long term.
"Until all patients with chronic myeloid leukemia can have an optimal quality of life while fighting this disease, our marathon is not over," concludes Dr. Cortes.
Source: Eurekalert
New Drug Combination Promises Better Treatment Outcomes in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
Treatment with imatinib and peginterferon alfa-2a was associated with significantly higher rates of molecular responses in people with CML.
Advertisement
The use of the drug imatinib has been a key weapon in the arsenal against the disease, although only 60% of patients have a decent outcome; people can be resistant to the drug or develop resistance. Other second-line drugs work in about 50% of the patients in whom imatinib is not effective, but at least 10%-15% of them will lose their response to the treatment over time.
Dr. Cortes states that doctors need to ensure adherence to treatments, that more research into other therapies is still necessary and that health care professionals must stay focused on the long term.
"Until all patients with chronic myeloid leukemia can have an optimal quality of life while fighting this disease, our marathon is not over," concludes Dr. Cortes.
Source: Eurekalert
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Needs New Treatment Strategies
The development of a drug,imatinib,that targets the protein (BCR-ABL) causing chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), had changed the cancer from a fatal to a chronic condition.
Advertisement
 Study Gives New Insight into Chronic Myeloid LeukemiaResearchers at the Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute have made a major advancement in understanding the roots of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Cancer News
The combination of the personalized cancer vaccine with ACT led to ovarian cancer control in few patients within a span of three months, stated study results.
Uncovering key kinases in tumor growth and invasion is crucial for improving targeted therapies in advanced-stage colorectal cancer.
The study findings validate metal-enhanced photo-oxidation for future metal-based anticancer drugs.
Mutations in 11 genes are linked to aggressive forms of prostate cancer, which may present novel therapeutic and therapy options.
Improved oral health, as indicated by the count of natural teeth and dental appointments preceding the diagnosis, correlated with enhanced head and neck cancer survival rates.
