¹Bone Marrow Transplantation Program/Leukemia Center, Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Oregon Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA

Correspondence: Dr RT Maziarz, UNH73C, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239 USA

Abstract

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a hematopoietic stem cell disorder in which allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative option, but its use is limited by donor availability and treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Imatinib mesylate is a targeted agent for CML with efficacy to date, which is superior to all other nontransplant therapy and has limited toxicity. The curative potential of imatinib remains to be proven and may be limited to a small number of patients. Optimal decision making regarding the use of these divergent therapies has not been defined. This paper reviews critical data relevant to these treatment options and provides an approach to current management of the CML patient.