Leukemia research
-
Imatinib mesylate (STI571) is a major therapeutic advance for the management of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), however, a proportion of patients are refractory to it, particularly those in more advanced phases of CML. Different mechanisms of resistance to imatinib are suggested, including point mutations within ABL-kinase domains. ⋯ Additionally, clonal evolution could lead to BCR-ABL-independent proliferation. Early detection of ABL-kinase mutation could predict the progression of CML treated with imatinib.