Clinical efficacy and safety of imatinib in the management of Ph(+) chronic myeloid or acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Chinese patients

Imatinib mesylate is considered the standard first-line systemic treatment for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and functions by targeting BCR-ABL tyrosine kinases. Imatinib has substantially changed the clinical management and improved the prognosis of CML and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia (Ph(+) ALL). Here, we review the pharmacology, mode of action, and pharmacokinetics of imatinib; Chinese efficacy studies in CML and Ph(+) ALL; safety and tolerability; patient-focused perspectives, such as quality of life, patient satisfaction, acceptability, and adherence; and uptake of imatinib.