Studies on Nilotinib

[Guest guest]

Some interesting studies, results and therapeutic options from Medscape 2008.

The results of the nilotinib study in patients with CML are also very

impressive. In the 35 patients recruited, at 3 months all but 1 achieved a

complete cytogenetic remission; at 6 months, 100% of patients had achieved

complete cytogenetic remission. Drug tolerance is also very good, with minimal

myelosuppression and no critical adverse events. The only adverse consequence of

note has been minor biochemical abnormalities, such as elevation of bilirubin,

which have had no clinical consequences.

Dr. Cortes at ASH Meeting: Although it is a relatively small problem, this

mutation represents 15% to 20% of all mutations, but mutations only represent

50% of the failures. Failure occurs in only about 15% to 20% of all patients

treated. If we treat 1000 patients today, only a few patients will have a T315I

mutation after 5 years. But it is an important issue, because we don't have

anything to offer those few patients today. Fortunately, new molecules are

being developed; many already have some clinical data that look very promising.

A drug called XL228[5] has demonstrated some very interesting early positive

results. A poster at the 2007 ASH meeting presented some data about an older

drug called homoharringtonine,[6] which is showing early evidence of complete

cytogenetic responses. A few other drugs that are a little earlier in

development may prove to be useful in patients with CML.[7-10] In another year,

we should have a lot more information about these and some other drugs. I am

very hopeful that we will soon have more options for patients with CML. (

Medscape Hematology-Oncology. 2008)

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/568343

Blessings,

Lottie