Novel developments in chronic myeloid leukaemia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite unprecedented challenges during the preceding year, there have been a wide range of significant advances in the field of chronic myeloid leukaemia. In this review article we highlight papers reporting on some of the most important developments over the last year, both with regards to the clinical management of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia, as well as studies that help to increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. We have performed a PubMed search to identify important papers and abstracts listed over the last year and have included additional papers published prior to this, where relevant, to provide context.

RECENT FINDINGS: We comment on novel biomarkers for treatment free remission as well as recent results from second generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) discontinuation studies. We discuss new techniques that are being used to assess TKI resistance as well as reviewing novel and emerging approaches to the management of resistant patients, including the use of combination therapies.

SUMMARY: This review highlights some of the most important research to have been reported over the last year in the field of chronic myeloid leukaemia, encompassing emerging diagnostic techniques, biomarkers and novel therapeutic options.