LAUSR

Imatinib is a type of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor which inhibits the constitutive abnormal tyrosine kinase created by the Philadelphia chromosome i.e. the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, abnormality in CML patient. The aim of the study is to assess the response of imatinib in CML patients and to observe resistance to imatinib. Study was performed at Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Dose of 400, 600, 800 mg of Imatinib was found to be prescribed to all patients during the study. Comparison of laboratory parameters and PCR data were done after measurement by RT-PCR method. Total 256 patients with CML were enrolled in the study. 196 patients had completed study as per protocol. 38 patients were newly diagnosed whereas 158 patients were already diagnosed with CML. 89.29% (n = 175) of patients achieved complete haematological response, Complete MolR were achieved in n = 41 at 6th months, n = 1 at 12th month and 18th month and no patient was found with none CyR out of 196 patients; no patient were found with minimal CyR at 6th month, 2 patient were at 12th month and 3 patients were at 18th month. Mean PCR value (BCR-ABL/ABL ratio) in patient was found 0.245±1.16 at Day 0, 0.824±1.51 at 6th month, 4.086±9.58 at 12th month and 6.713±11.32 at 18th month visit. In conclusion, it was observed that resistance to imatinib might be developed within an average time of 12 months in the patients due to which survival rate was drastically reduced.