Mean cell volume can be an early predictor for the cytogenetic response of chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with imatinib?

The patients with early and continuously increased MCV level irrespective of anemia achieved higher CCR after 12 months of imatinib therapy than patients with non-CCR (p = 0.011). When the value was compared with low Sokal score, elevated MCV was independent predictor of CCR (RR = 12.925, p = 0.002 vs. RR = 35.445, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the patients with early and continuously increased MCV level had a higher probability of maintaining CCR than non-increased level (p = 0.019). Increased MCV level was surrogate marker of achievement and durability to CCR for early CP-CML patients in the present study.