Abstract
Nilotinib for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in light of the current evidence and guidelines
Author(s): Pratap Neelakantan, Jane F Apperley The introduction of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib, a little over a decade
ago, has greatly improved the prognosis for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. Now
with the availability of second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors we anticipate further
improvements in the outcome of this disease. These agents, namely nilotinib, dasatinib and
bosutinib, have not only been effective at treatment of imatinib-resistant and/or -intolerant
patients, but are increasingly being advocated for upfront usage. In this review, we focus on
nilotinib, its pharmacology, clinical indications and side effects, and suggest guidelines for its
usage.