State-of-the-art in the management of chronic myelogenous leukemia in the era of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors: evolutionary trends in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment

The treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) continues to evolve rapidly as we gain better insights into the best monitoring strategies and as there is experience with the second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Certain observations about CML and its clinical course remain relevant, such at its triphasic course and the prognostic value of the Sokal and Hasford scores. Other aspects of the disease including the most appropriate clinical monitoring and follow-up strategies and indications for changing therapy are evolving more rapidly. Best practice recommendations for monitoring of response have not only evolved over time but also affected by the availability and reliability of standard cytogenetics, FISH and molecular monitoring. Standard dose imatinib remains the best first-line therapy for most patients with first chronic phase CML. Patient and disease-related factors to evaluate when considering alternatives such as higher doses of imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib and allogeneic transplant are discussed.