Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute myeloid leukemia (Ph + AML) treated with imatinib mesylate (IM): a report with IM plasma concentration and bcr-abl transcripts

Leuk Res. 2009 Sep;33(9):e137-8. doi: 10.1016/j.leukres.2009.03.017. Epub 2009 Apr 16.

Abstract

We studied the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of imatinib mesylate (IM) and bcr-abl expression in a Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute myeloid leukemia (Ph + AML) patient, a rare disease with a poor prognosis. Although sufficient IM trough concentrations were maintained, bcr-abl transcripts revealed only one-log reduction with IM monotherapy, suggesting a resistance against IM, and this patient required additional chemotherapy. Despite the resistance against IM at induction therapy, the patient has been in complete molecular response for more than 6 months with IM maintenance monotherapy. Our experience suggests that IM might have a positive role in consolidation and/or maintenance therapy in remission Ph + AML patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / blood
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Benzamides
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Genes, abl*
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / genetics
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic, Atypical, BCR-ABL Negative / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic, Atypical, BCR-ABL Negative / genetics
  • Male
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Piperazines / blood
  • Piperazines / pharmacokinetics
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Pyrimidines / blood
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacokinetics
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzamides
  • Piperazines
  • Pyrimidines
  • Imatinib Mesylate