Kakepoto G N, Adil S N, Sajid R, Arain S, Khurshid M, Usman M.
Hematologic and Cytogenetic findings in eleven Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.
J Pak Med Assoc Jan ;54(1):17-20.

Objective: To evaluate the response of Imatinib mesylate in patients with myeloid leukemia in chronic accelerated and blast phase. Patients and Methods: Eleven patients with established diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia were treated with Imatinib mesylate. Adverse effects were documented with regular follow ups. Hematological and cytogenetic response were assessed according to established criteria. Patients with zero percent Philadelphia positive metaphases were labeled as complete cytogenetic response while patients with 1% to 35% Philadelphia positive metaphases were termed as partical responders. Results: Of 11 cases there were 7 males and 4 females with a mean age of 39.5 years and median age 51 years (range 21-69). Male to female raio was 7:4. median follow-up was 34 weeks (range 8-78). Four patients were in blast crises. 1 in accelerated phase and remaining 6 patients were in chronic phase. All patients achieved hematological response. Cytogenetic response was present in 6 patients. 3 were responders and the remaining were non responders. Two patients achieved complete cytogenetic response and one patient had partical cytogenetic response. Both patients with compete cytogenetic response relapsed in twelve weeks time. Conclusion: Imatinib mesylate is a durg with curative potential and can be used as a first line drug in the management of CML, however at present the cure rate is unknown (JPMA 54:17;2004).

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