Can we ever observe newly diagnosed chronic phase CML patients and not immediately start them on therapy?
if so, are there specific cytogenetic, molecular, clinical, or hematologic factors that you take into consideration?
2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Medical Oncology · Brigham and Women's Hospital
Answered on
I can't think of a situation that would justify a "watch and wait" approach to CML. There are a number of effective therapies. Even if a patient has side effects from one TKI, there are others to choose from. What justification is there for not using an effective therapy? What is the rationale?
Da...
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Mednet Member
Medical Oncology · St Mary Medical Center (Long Beach CA)
Answered on
It’s a reasonable question if the patient has a low life expectancy give age or other comorbidities. Before the clinical development of imatinib, median overall survival was on the order of 4 years. These factors can be taken into context, but otherwise, the natural history of the disease with its e...
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