Successful use of national cancer registry data to monitor the effective use of imatinib for treating chronic myeloid leukaemia

Shepherd, P., Dhanapala, C., Maguire, C., White, J., Drummond, M., Holyoake, T. and Johnson, P. (2008) Successful use of national cancer registry data to monitor the effective use of imatinib for treating chronic myeloid leukaemia. Scottish Medical Journal, 53(3), pp. 8-12.

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Abstract

Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which selectively antagonises the BCR-ABL molecular pathway which causes chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Imatinib was first approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) in January 2002 with the recommendation that its use be audited. The cost of the drug has major financial implications for health resources. Methods All imatinib usage since its first prescription in Scotland in September 2000 to July 2003 was audited through pharmacy records and through the Scotland Leukaemia Registry (SLR). an existing national registry of patients with CML. Results One hundred and four patients in Chronic Phase (CP), 36 in Accelerated Phase (AP) and five in Blast Phase (BP) received imatinib The median duration of therapy was not reached for CP, 17 months for AP and two months for BP patients. Major (complete) cytogenetic response rates were 74% (63%) and 38% (24%) respectively for CP and AP Overall survival for all CP patients from the start of imatinib therapy was 94% at one year. 91% at two years and 83% at three years An audit of the effectiveness of the SLR as an auditing agency, showed complete registration in 95% of cases.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Drummond, Dr Mark and Holyoake, Professor Tessa
Authors: Shepherd, P., Dhanapala, C., Maguire, C., White, J., Drummond, M., Holyoake, T., and Johnson, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
Journal Name:Scottish Medical Journal
ISSN:0036-9330

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