Imatinib mesylate induces hypophosphatemia in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in late chronic phase, and this effect is associated with response.

Imatinib is the drug of first choice for most patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Although it is generally well tolerated, a number of hematological and nonhematological side-effects have been described. We report here that imatinib induces hypophosphatemia in a high proportion of our series of CML patients previously treated with interferon alpha, and that this previously unreported side effect is associated with response. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.