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Review
. 2010;15(2):182-6.
doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2009-0297. Epub 2010 Feb 2.

Why doesn't imatinib cure chronic myeloid leukemia?

Robert L Redner  1
Affiliations
Review

Why doesn't imatinib cure chronic myeloid leukemia?

Robert L Redner. Oncologist. 2010.

Abstract

Imatinib mesylate has transformed the treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The vast majority of patients obtain hematologic remission, with a low probability of progression of disease. Yet imatinib rarely cures CML, and current recommendations dictate lifelong treatment with imatinib. In this review we analyze the biology behind the failure of imatinib to fully eradicate CML. We review evidence that indicates that the leukemic stem cell for CML is inherently resistant to imatinib, and that imatinib treatment itself may enhance this resistance.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures: Robert L. Redner: None.

The content of this article has been reviewed by independent peer reviewers to ensure that it is balanced, objective, and free from commercial bias. No financial relationships relevant to the content of this article have been disclosed by the author or independent peer reviewers.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Factors that may play a role in determining the inherent resistance of CML leukemia-initiating cells to imatinib. Abbreviations: ABCG2, ATP-dependent transporter cassette protein G2; CML, chronic myeloid leukemia; CXCR4, CXC chemokine receptor 4.
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