Guidance on the use of imatinib for chronic myeloid leukaemia

It is strongly advised that a national registry should be set up to provide valuable information on the long-term effectiveness of imatinib treatment. It is also strongly recommended that data collection from original registration studies should be continued in order to:

• investigate the comparative long-term efficacy of imatinib in terms of QoL and survival, for all phases of CML

• investigate the adverse effects and the potential for the development of treatment resistance of long-term imatinib use.

Further good-quality studies are also needed to investigate:

• the efficacy of imatinib in combination with other treatment options

• the clinical and cost effectiveness of dose escalation (within licensed indications)

• the need for, and duration of, long-term imatinib therapy in those who respond to initial treatment

• the definition of inadequate response to imatinib treatment.