Part 1: Current Approach to Treating Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Jack W. Erter, III, MD, and Ramiro Garzon, MD

Drs. Erter and Garzon are fellows; both are at the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Comprehensive Care Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.

Question 3

Which of the following statements best characterizes the side effects associated with nilotinib treatments?

  •  Monitoring of hepatic transaminases is not required because
    their elevation is extremely rare
  •  Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia (grade 3/4) are rare side
    effects and are present in only 5% of cases
  •  Nilotinib has no significant interactions with other drugs
  •  Nilotinib therapy is frequently associated with severe fluid
    retention and pleural effusions
  •  QT prolongation can occur with nilotinib therapy, and a baseline
    electrocardiogram should be obtained prior to starting treatment

Updated 3/4/2009 • nvf | Copyright ©2009 Turner White Communications