Insights into the optimal use of ponatinib in patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukaemia

There are five tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that are currently approved (in the European Union and the United States) for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in the chronic phase (CP) and each of them has its own efficacy and toxicity profile. Oral ponatinib (Iclusig(®)) is a third-generation TKI structurally designed to inhibit native BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase and several BCR-ABL1 mutants, including T315I. Ponatinib is now approved for patients with CML who are resistant or intolerant to prior TKI therapy (European Union) or for whom no other TKI therapy is indicated (United States). Despite achieving results in heavily treated patients, which led to its approval, the drug may induce cardiovascular events, requiring a careful baseline assessment of predisposing risk factors and specific management during treatment. Pharmacokinetic analysis has indicated the possibility of reducing the starting dose of ponatinib to 15 mg/day and preliminary data showed advantages in terms of safety while maintained its efficacy. This review summarizes the results achieved and drug-related side effects reported in all clinical trials and real-life experiences, testing ponatinib in patients with CP-CML. In addition, we focus on the appropriate use of ponatinib in clinical practice suggesting some useful recommendations on the proper management of this drug.