How I Manage Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Perspectives from Clinical Practice.

The management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has remarkably changed in the last 20 years with the availability of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Most patients with chronic phase CML now have a life expectancy like that of age matched controls. Understanding the practical aspects of choosing the appropriate TKI, monitoring response and side-effects are key to long term success. Currently, treatment cessation is also an option in patients achieving sustained deep molecular response. Novel agents are needed in patients with lack of response to TKI and in those with advanced disease.