Dasatinib versus Imatinib in Newly Diagnosed Chronic-Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

SUMMARY: This multicenter international phase III study evaluated the efficacy of Dasatinib (SPRYCEL®) versus Imatinib (GLEEVEC®) in newly diagnosed chronic phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia patients. Of the 519 patients enrolled, 259 patients received SPRYCEL® at 100 mg daily whereas 260 patients received GLEEVEC® 400 mg daily. The complete cytogenetic response rate after one year for SPRYCEL® and GLEEVEC® was 77% versus 66% respectively and the major molecular response rate at 12 months was 46% vs 28% for the SPRYCEL® group and GLEEVEC® group respectively. Thrombocytopenia and pleural effusions were more often seen in the SPRYCEL® group. It was concluded that SPRYCEL® resulted in a significantly shorter time to achieve complete cytogenetic and major molecular responses. N Engl J Med 2010; 362:2260-2270.