Recommendations for assessment of co-morbidities and tyrosine kinase inhibitor choice in patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia

Abstract

Treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) is very effective. The vast majority of patients achieve deep and long-lasting therapeutic responses including those on molecular level. Understanding the adverse effects of TKIs is of great importance during life-long therapy. The safety profile of TKI should be considered especially when used in patients suffering from various co-morbidities. In this paper, treatment recommendations for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis with circulation disturbances in peripheral arteries, congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and pleural effusions are presented. Drug interactions between TKIs and medicaments used in the treatment of the above-mentioned co-morbidities are discussed.