A drop in the number of white blood cells carrying a chromosomal abnormality that can occur in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) has been seen in patients being treated with STI571 (Glivec), an investigational treatment for the disease being developed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
In a study of 290 patients in the chronic phase of CML, 56 per cent of patients who had completed six months of therapy with STI571 had this cytogenetic response in their bone marrow. Similar results were seen in phase II studies of the accelerated and blast phase of CML, says the company.
Commenting on the results of the trials, Dr Stephen O'Brien (consultant haematologist, Royal Victoria infirmary, Newcastle) said in a press release issued by Novartis: "We are not sure how long these responses will continue, or whether Glivec will ultimately improve survival in leukaemia patients, but so far the data is very exciting. " The trial results were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Haematology in San Francisco last week.
STI571 belongs to a class of agents called signal transduction inhibitors (PJ, 1999;263: 937).