Long-term molecular responses to imatinib in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: comparison between complete cytogenetic responders treated in early and in late chronic phase.

CML patients who obtain a complete cytogenetic response (CCgR) may harbor different degrees of molecular disease, which are associated with different progression-free survival. We have compared the pattern and the magnitude of the molecular response (MolR) of 54 early chronic phase (ECP) and of 115 late CP patients who achieved a stable CCgR with IM 400 mg/daily. ECP patients obtained earlier, higher and more sustained MMolR.