Case Based - Overview

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:

• Outline the cytogenetic milestones used to monitor response to BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with CML-CP
• Assess the efficacy of second-generation BCR-ABL TKIs as second-line therapy for CML-CP that is resistant to the first-generation BCR-ABL TKI
• Evaluate the efficacy of investigational agents for patients with the BCR-ABL T315I mutation

Overview and Purpose

Overview and Purpose
The standard of care for the first-line treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a first-generation BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Despite robust initial results in CML, intolerance and resistance to this agent can occur. Resistance is often due to the acquisition of BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations leading to the reactivation of BCR-ABL. Second-generation BCR-ABL TKIs have been developed to overcome these issues, and 2 of these agents are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in this setting. These agents have activity against many BCR-ABL mutants, although they are ineffective against the BCR-ABL T315I mutation. Other novel TKIs and agents are in early clinical development for patients with CML and the BCR-ABL T315I mutation.

The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on the management of patients with previously treated CML in chronic phase (CP) and who have the BCR-ABL T315I mutation.

Target Audience
This activity is intended for medical oncologists and hematologists involved in the care of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology are required for successful participation in this activity.