Nilotinib vs Imatinib in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia-Chronic Phase

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a progressive blood cancer effectively treated with BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) nilotinib and imatinib. Objectives: This study compares their efficacy in newly diagnosed CML-CP patients. Methods: 92 patients were divided into two groups: 46 received imatinib 400 mg once daily, and 46 received nilotinib 300 mg BID. Evaluations, including history, physical examinations, and laboratory tests, were conducted every three months over three years. Molecular responses were assessed using RQ-PCR. Results: Anemia occurred in 13% of the Nilotinib group and 22% of the Imatinib group, leucopenia in 13% of both groups, and thrombocytopenia in 0% of the Nilotinib group versus 8% of the Imatinib group. Nilotinib showed significantly better progression-free survival and five-year survival rates. Conclusion: nilotinib demonstrated a more immediate and profound molecular response, improved survival chances, and fewer adverse effects, making Nilotinib recommended as the first-line treatment for newly diagnosed CML-CP patients.