The Use of Dasatinib in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Some Practical Considerations

The new multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib has been used for 2 years in the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia whose disease has not responded to or has relapsed on imatinib or who are intolerant of the drug. Dasatinib has proven to be highly effective in re-establishing cytogenetic and/or molecular remissions in patients in all phases of chronic myeloid leukemia resistant to imatinib. The principal side effects include myelosuppression and the development of pleural effusions, both of which can be managed successfully by reduction in dosage or temporary interruption of the drug. Dasatinib could play an important role in the management of newly diagnosed patients, especially those who present with advanced-phase disease.