High Complete Remission Rate and Promising Outcome by Combination of Imatinib and Chemotherapy for Newly Diagnosed BCR-ABL–Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Phase II Study by the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group

• DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.03.2177
• Publication Date: 2005-12-13T01:50:07Z
• Authors: Masamitsu Yanada; Jin Takeuchi; Isamu Sugiura; Hideki Akiyama; Noriko Usui; Fumiharu Yagasaki; Tohru Kobayashi; Yasunori Ueda; Makoto Takeuchi; Shuichi Miyawaki; Atsuo Maruta; Nobuhiko Emi; Yasushi Miyazaki; Shigeki Ohtake; Itsuro Jinnai; Keitaro Matsuo; Tomoki Naoe; Ryuzo Ohno
• Keywords: Imatinib Mesylate; Regimen; Acute lymphocytic leukemia

A novel therapeutic approach is urgently needed for BCR-ABL-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In this study, we assessed the efficacy and feasibility of chemotherapy combined with imatinib.A phase II study imatinib-combined was conducted newly diagnosed ALL in adults. Eighty patients were entered into trial between September 2002 January 2005.Remission induction therapy resulted complete remission (CR) 77 (96.2%), resistant disease one patient, early death two patients, as well polymerase chain reaction negativity bone marrow 71.3%. The profile incidence severe toxicity not different from those associated our historic chemotherapy-alone regimen. Relapse occurred 20 after median CR duration 5.2 months. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) performed 49 39 whom underwent during their first CR. 1-year event-free overall survival (OS) rates estimated to be 60.0%, 76.1%, respectively, which significantly better than controls treated alone (P < .0001 both). Among current probability OS at 1 year 73.3% who allogeneic HSCT, 84.8% did not.Our results demonstrated that regimen effective feasible ALL. Despite a relatively short period observation, major potential treatment recognized. Longer follow-up required determine its effect on survival.