Successful nilotinib therapy in the patient with suboptimal response of chronic myeloid leukemia to imatinib treatment associated with non-hematological toxicity

Abstract

Non-hematological toxicity of imatinib could result from off target bcr/abl kinase inhibition. The case of patient with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase suffering from therapy related side-effects is described. The main manifestations were: joint and bone pains, muscle cramps and aches associated with hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia. Due to suboptimal response imatinib therapy was stopped and nilotinib was introduced. The majority of complaints has resolved under nilotinib treatment. There was no reoccurence neither of hypocalcemia nor hypophosphatemia. After 6 months of therapy the patient achieved stable major molecular response.