Second‐ or third‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors in first‐line treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in general population: Is there a real benefit?

INTRODUCTION: Since 2009, multiple randomized trials have shown faster and deeper responses in CML patients treated with new‐generation TKI (NG‐TKI) compared to those treated with imatinib (IM). Are the same results observed in the general population? MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were identified from the three French hematological malignancies population‐based registries. All CML patients (ICD‐O‐3: 9875/3) diagnosed between 2006 and 2016 and resided in registries areas were included. The TKI generation effect on achievement of MMR in first‐line therapy was assessed through a multivariate competitive risk analysis. An alluvial plot described the pathways leading to death. RESULTS: In total, 507 CML patients received TKI in first‐line treatment, 22% were enrolled in a clinical trial. After adjustment, NG‐TKI patients were significantly more likely to achieve MMR during first‐line therapy than IM patients (HR: 1.88 CI(95%) [1.35–2.61]). At the end of follow‐up, 212 patients were still in first‐line therapy (46 of them died), 203 switched to second‐line (43 subsequently died), 26 were on TFR from first‐line (4 subsequently died), and 20 stopped their treatment (16 subsequently died). DISCUSSION: In this comprehensive real‐life setting, the results were consistent with clinical trials. The results are not sufficient to conclude that a NG‐TKI treatment is superior with regard to these patients, despite indications regarding differences between the TKI generation effect on survival and tolerance.