Dasatinib, Nilotinib Show Strong Early Results as Frontline Therapy for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Study

ATLANTA - Two drugs approved for use as second line therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia are showing promising results as frontline therapy for newly diagnosed patients in two clinical trials, research teams led by scientists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center report at the 49th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology. All patients in both trials have a complete cytogenetic response - absence of the aberrant chromosome that causes the disease - after one year on either drug. Approximately 90 percent reach complete cytogenetic response as early as 6 months.